The Salvation Army of Greater St. Louis Asks for Support in Fighting Food Insecurity
The Salvation Army of Greater St. Louis is kicking off a campaign in connection to National Salvation Army Week, aimed at fighting food insecurity in the region -- "Say Grace. Share Grace." In 2024, The Salvation Army served more than 151,000 meals from its food pantries. With the help of the St. Louis community, The Salvation Army hopes to raise $160,000 in honor of their 160th anniversary, which would help meet more of the need in the region. At just $5 per meal, you could transform the lives of 32,000 more St. Louisans in need.
"Our goal is humbly and simply 'to save the world,' but we know we can't do it alone," said Major Adam Moore, General Secretary and Greater St. Louis Area Commander. "More than 400,000 St. Louisans experience food insecurity and we see their struggles daily as they visit our food pantries and corps community centers looking for hope and nourishment.
And it might surprise you who we serve -- everyone from the unhoused to the nurse with a flat tire who is struggling to pay her bills. To the single mom considering whether she will be able to refill critical prescription medications and feed her two children. These are not decisions anyone should have to make."
National Salvation Army Week was declared by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, and since then it has served as an annual reminder of the vast scope of services The Salvation Army provides, and ways in which the community can help.
Throughout the week, The Salvation Army will be working to educate the community, collect non-perishable food items and can openers, and sign up new volunteers for their food pantries and community meals.
"Seeing this important work and the needs of our community in action can be powerful," said Major Moore. "We know that so many of those we serve don't have the tools or resources to access food, like can openers, or access to clean water or a kitchen. Our hope is that we can collect one can opener for every five cans donated and bring awareness, as well as resources, to our community."
In addition, SNAP government benefits do not often include prepared meals; yet another hurdle for individuals who are food insecure. Non-perishable food items and can openers can be donated in-person at Fresh Thyme Market at the City Foundry, The Pioneer Bakery Café in Kirkwood, or at one of The Salvation Army's eight Greater St. Louis area locations during normal business hours:
Fresh Thyme Market at City Foundry: 3701 Foundry Way Suite 201, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Pioneer Bakery Café: 210 N Kirkwood Rd., Kirkwood, Missouri 63122
Euclid: 2618 North Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63113
Gateway Citadel (South County): 824 Union Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63123
Maplewood: 7701 Rannells Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63143
Madison County (Illinois): 525 Alby Street, Alton, Illinois 62002
O'Fallon: 1 William Booth Drive, O'Fallon, Missouri 63366
St. Charles: 2140 North Fourth, St. Charles, Missouri 63301
St. Clair County (Illinois): 20 Glory Place, Belleville, Illinois 62226
Temple (Benton Park): 2740 Arsenal Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63118
The Salvation Army is grateful to its donors and partners who are supporting the "Say Grace. Share Grace." campaign in various capacities, including Fresh Thyme Market at the Foundry, The Pioneer Bakery Café, Schnucks Markets, Reitz and Jens, Plocher Construction, Platinum Realty and the Great Rivers Greenway.
The Salvation Army is also planning a dedicated Day of Giving to occur Friday, May 16. Visit https://www.salarmy.us/sharegrace to make your gift.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, please contact The Salvation Army corps community center nearest you, or call 211.