After the holiday season, the need for many families who use the Salvation Army does not stop, but more often than not the donations do.
Jan Nowak, director of caring ministries and social services director at the Salvation Army, has said the organization is in need of nonperishable donations for their food pantry, which is based entirely from donation and that food supply started to shrink around the start of the New Year. Nowak said the families that utilize the Salvation Army’s programs are already struggling, and getting food on their table should not be a concern.
“We want to remove that burden,” she said. “So they can use their [money for other] resources.”
The organization helps around 100 families a month across Berrien and Cass counties. Families in need of food assistance receive one week’s worth of groceries up to four times a year. The amount of food distributed is based on family size. The food provides for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food pantry will supply to walk in guests. Those in need can access the pantry four times a year.
The Salvation Army offers not only access to the food pantries, but also a three-day-a week free lunch program called the “Lunch Bunch,” as well as utility, rent and disaster assistance, among other resources aimed at assisting people with basic needs.
While Nowak said that they have not yet had to start rationing food, she said she predicts there is only two week’s worth of food left in supply.
Standing in the food pantry on Friday afternoon, Nowak said that she always becomes concerned when she can see the walls of the pantry behind the shelves that hold the food.
Monetary donations will also be accepted.
“Through the thoughtful donations of others, we will be able to continue answering the call of the needy in the community,” Nowak said.
Donations may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Niles Salvation Army 424 N. 15th St.
Needed donations include:
Cereal, canned meats, Hamburger Helper, ramen noodles, canned chili, canned juices, dry or canned milk, Dinty Moore products, Tuna Helper, canned soup, pork n’ beans, broth/gravy, spaghetti sauce, sloppy joe mix, boxed potato mixes, canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, tuna, macaroni and cheese, and peanut butter.