Posted on Mar 26, 2015 by Elizabeth Adams

Due to lack of canned goods, the food assistance program is suspended indefinitely.

The Salvation Army’s food pantry is nearly empty. With a mere 15 cans, staff had to cancel the rest of the week’s food appointments and suspend the food assistance program indefinitely. In a normal week, The Salvation Army offers 50 food appointments a week, providing families in need with a week’s worth of groceries. This equates to an average of 540 cans a week. “We receive calls all the time for food assistance, and therefore, are in constant need of food donations. This is especially true in the Spring and Summer months. People need to eat,” says Major Pete Costas, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army of Wake County.

The food assistance program is a part of The Salvation Army’s Crisis Programs, providing food, clothing, and financial assistance to Wake County residents. People call ahead of time to make an appointment, which are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The food pantry provides canned and nonperishable goods to the food assistance program, soup line and even the Women & Children’s Shelter. The Salvation Army has been able to at least cover the cost of food for the residents in the shelter, but are unable to purchase addition goods to support the other programs. “It’s a little scary because I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it this low,” says Lizzy Adams, The Salvation Army’s Director of Public Relations, “and until there are cans on the shelves, we have to suspend our outreach program.”

The Salvation Army is encouraging individuals, families and companies to pick up a couple of extra cans or host a food drive. Items can be dropped off at the Judy D. Zelnak Center of Hope at 1863 Capital Blvd. Adams says, “it may not seem like much, but every can counts. It could make a world of difference to a mother trying to make sure her children do not go to bed hungry.”

Download the Food Drive Tool Kit for a list of needed items.

*See update on food pantry here.