Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today announced he will lead a food drive along with the National Guard and in cooperation with the state Office of Emergency Services, state employees and their families along Kanawha Blvd. in front of the Governor’s Mansion.

“We are working around the clock with our food pantries to distribute much needed food and water to our families and neighbors. Resources at our food pantries are running critically low,” Gov. Tomblin said. “I ask those who can to provide much needed food.”

The food collected will be distributed to those in need through the Mountaineer Food Bank and the Huntington Food Bank network of local pantries which are located in more than 50 West Virginia counties. The most needed items include:

Canned fruits

Canned vegetables

Canned meats (chicken, tuna, salmon)

Canned soups (with pop tops)

Beef stew

Peanut butter

Dry cereals

Oatmeal

Cream of wheat

Baby food/formula

Shelf-stable milk

Bottled water

In addition, Volunteer West Virginia is accepting monetary donations to further support the food drive. Monetary contributions should be written out and addressed to:

Volunteer West Virginia Food Drive

710 Central Ave.

Charleston, W.Va. 25302