West Virginia Landmarks Glowed Orange for Awareness
State landmarks participated in a month-long initiative to highlight local food insecurity during September.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Throughout September 2026, various landmarks across West Virginia were illuminated in orange to observe Hunger Action Month. The effort was organized to increase public awareness regarding food insecurity issues facing the state.
Why it matters
The initiative served as a visual campaign by the Mountaineer Food Bank to draw attention to hunger-related challenges within West Virginia communities. By lighting prominent sites, organizers aimed to engage the public in discussions about food access.
Landmarks in Charleston, Morgantown, and along the West Virginia Turnpike participated in the month-long display. This campaign included specific lighting schedules for the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute.
The players
Mountaineer Food Bank
This organization serves as a central hub for food distribution and hunger relief advocacy throughout the state of West Virginia.
WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
Located in Morgantown, this institution focuses on advanced neurological research and patient care under the West Virginia University umbrella.
Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center
This is a major multi-purpose venue located in the capital city of West Virginia that hosts large-scale events and public gatherings.
The details
The campaign transformed the appearance of key infrastructure, including the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, which maintained the orange lighting throughout the entire month. The WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute in Morgantown joined the effort on September 29, aligning with the statewide push to mark Hunger Action Month.
Timeline
September 2026 marked the duration of the awareness campaign.
September 29, 2026, was the date the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute was illuminated.
Market Landscape
The project follows the annual designation of Hunger Action Month to localize national advocacy efforts. This trend of utilizing public infrastructure for social messaging mirrors wider strategies used by non-profits to gain visibility in competitive charitable sectors.
The visual campaign aimed to encourage residents to consider donating to or volunteering with local food pantries. It provided a tangible reminder of the ongoing needs within the community that impact neighborhood food accessibility.
The takeaway
Raising awareness through public lighting serves as a starting point for deeper community engagement with food security programs. Residents can further assist by researching local hunger relief operations to provide long-term support beyond the campaign month.
Further reading
For more on charitable initiatives in the region, visit the West Virginia Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WV News.
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