The Salvation Army – Community Kitchen and Meals
National Salvation Army Week, May 10-16, 2021
Dallas, Texas (May 10, 2021) – According to Feeding America, more than 42 million people, including a potential 13 million children, may be experiencing food insecurity in the United States because of the coronavirus. To help mitigate that threat, The Salvation Army serves an average of 156,000 meals every single day across the country to anyone in need through its many soup kitchens, sit-down meal programs, food pantries, mobile meals and community gardens.
The Salvation Army in Texas is excited to celebrate National Salvation Army Week, May 10-16, 2021. Since 1889, The Salvation Army has faithfully and consistently worked to help those in need from our community 365 days a year.
The Salvation Army combats hunger daily by providing nutritious meals to anyone in need. This includes people of all ages, many experiencing homelessness, as well as individuals and families who may be struggling to make ends meet and in need of extra assistance. In addition to addressing the immediate symptoms of food insecurity, programs are designed to help identify and treat its root cause. Over time, this holistic approach to the physical, mental and spiritual needs of each person helps move many from “hungry” to “fully healed.’’
“In many locations throughout the state, The Salvation Army serves three meals a day at our community kitchens,” said Lt. Colonel Ronnie Raymer, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in Texas. “The majority of those who eat at our facilities are residents of the shelter, but we also welcome anyone from the community to join us for a hot meal and some good conversation. We are grateful to our partner agencies and volunteers who faithfully support our efforts by providing food, financial donations, and for coming to serve our guests.”
From sit-down programs that provide nutritious, hot meals and valuable human interaction, to mobile meals that deliver much-needed sustenance to those who cannot reach a food distribution center, to feeding programs across our hundreds of shelters and residential facilities, we help ensure that the most vulnerable members of society do not go hungry.
“About six months ago a friend told me I could get lunch at The Salvation Army,” said Joyce. “I’ve been coming ever since. The food is great, and the people are so nice. I’ve been working the same job for almost a year, but I still live paycheck to paycheck. I’m so pleased to be able to get lunch here.”
Another lunch regular named Scott commented, “I’ve been homeless for a few years now and pick up day work where I can. I live in my tent and come here every day for lunch. This sure is a great cheeseburger!” he said with a smile.
“National Salvation Army Week is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the services we have provided over the last year,” said Raymer. “Many of our services have been adjusted during the COVID pandemic, including meals served in our shelters. We have, of course, observed social distancing and have initiated enhanced cleaning protocols in all our facilities during the pandemic. We look forward to continued service to Texans in need.”
For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us online at www.salvationarmytexas.org
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