Gov. Patrick Morrisey is doubling down on his health mission for West Virginia — this time with a mobile teaching kitchen and proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
On Monday, Morrisey and First Lady Denise Morrisey unveiled West Virginia Health Right’s new mobile kitchen at the Governor’s Mansion. The traveling unit is designed to bring nutrition education and healthy cooking demos to underserved communities across 34 counties.
“We’re a few months into a bold mission to make West Virginia healthy again,” said Morrisey. “It starts with what’s on our plate. Every meal is a step toward better health.”
Staff from Health Right served up bayou chicken power bowls using fresh herbs and vegetables from the mansion’s garden. The mobile kitchen is Health Right’s third unit, joining a mobile dental and medical clinic already in operation.
The state approved $1 million in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget to support these mobile programs. CEO Angie Settle emphasized that health education should be accessible to everyone.
“Food is medicine,” Settle said. “And yes, you can eat healthy on a budget.”
Health Push Linked to SNAP Reform
Morrisey’s mobile kitchen launch is part of his broader “Four Pillars of a Healthy West Virginia” campaign. Alongside nutrition education, the plan includes:
- Banning certain food dyes and additives
- Expanding access to healthy food
- Promoting outdoor exercise with the Mountaineer Mile challenge
- Reforming the state’s SNAP program
In March, Morrisey announced a formal request to the U.S. Department of Agriculture asking permission to remove soda — regular, diet, and sugar-free — from the list of eligible SNAP items.
“We’re not judging what people buy. But taxpayer dollars should support nutritious choices,” said Morrisey.
West Virginia’s SNAP program currently serves over 273,000 individuals in nearly 146,500 households.
The governor isn’t just seeking to ban soda — he also wants to allow SNAP to cover certain hot foods sold in grocery stores, such as rotisserie chicken, barbecue ribs, steamed veggies, and lasagna.
“That could make a big difference,” Morrisey said. “It’s about offering better protein and food options.”
Boosting Work Requirements for SNAP
Morrisey also plans to increase work, education, or job training requirements for SNAP recipients. Current federal rules require able-bodied adults without dependents aged 18 to 54 to work at least 20 hours per week after three months of benefits.
“Work is good and meaningful,” Morrisey said. “We need it, especially in a state with the lowest workforce participation in the country.”
Retail Impact and Cost Concerns
Some worry about costs for the 2,118 retailers in the state who would need to update their systems to comply with the soda ban. Morrisey believes these costs will be minor and unlikely to affect shoppers.
“We don’t expect any price increases,” he said. “The USDA has guidelines for how this works, and the impact should be minimal.”
As Morrisey’s administration continues its push for healthier lifestyles, the mobile kitchen and SNAP waiver mark significant steps in a broader effort to change how West Virginians eat and live. Whether these changes stick will depend largely on federal approval and local support — but the governor appears ready to fight for them.
