The Salvation Army – Fighting Hunger, One Food Box at a Time
National Salvation Army Week, May 10-16, 2021
Dallas, Texas (May 10, 2021) – The last year has presented extreme challenges for many in the community as the financial strain of lost income or medical expenses has impacted family budgets. The Salvation Army has seen a significant increase in the requests received for assistance, with many families seeking help with the most basic services, including food. Thanks to the generous support of the community and local businesses, The Salvation Army food pantry has served more people than ever before and continues to deliver food boxes each week to those in need.
The Salvation Army 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 in Texas, 365 days a year, providing assistance to individuals and families who find themselves in crisis, shelter to those experiencing homelessness, food and meals to the hungry, and much more.
The Salvation Army combats hunger daily by providing nutritious meals to anyone in need. This includes people of all ages, those 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.”
“We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of people coming to us for help,” said Lt. Colonel Ronnie Raymer, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in Texas. “Early in the pandemic we pivoted our food pantry program to be in line with social distancing protocols and many locations shifted to weekly drive-thru food box distributions. The demand has been incredible, and we have seen many seek assistance for the very first time. It has been a privilege for The Salvation Army to serve in this way, and we are so grateful for those who have supported our ministry, and for our staff and committed volunteers who help make these programs possible.”
The Gonzalez family has received regular food assistance at The Salvation Army. “It has been a huge blessing. I lost my job because of the virus and I’ve already gone through my savings and have been pretty much wiped out. But being able to come to The Salvation Army and get groceries is a huge relief, particularly if you have no income. Everyone is so friendly and so helpful. I didn’t think anything like this even existed.”
“National Salvation Army Week is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the service that we have provided to throughout the state over the last year. Who could ever imagine the challenges 2020 and the COVID pandemic would bring?” said Raymer. “Thanks to the generous support of donors, businesses, and supporters, The Salvation Army has been there with a meal or food box for families struggling to put food on the table. Each box typically contains rice, pasta, soup, beans, canned vegetables and fruit, cereal, and other non-perishable food. Our shelters have continued to prepare and serve hot, nutritious meals, and provided a warm, safe place to get people off the streets. We are committed to serving Texans in need.”
For more information, or to make a donation, please visit us online at www.salvationarmytexas.org
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About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a broad array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org