Salvation Army in desperate need of food donations
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- With the exceptions of a few jars of peanut butter, the pantry shelves are empty at the Salvation Army of Wake County.
The staff has suspended the food assistance program indefinitely and canceled food appointments for the rest of the week.
"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. "Until there are cans on the shelves, we have to suspend our outreach program."
In a normal week, the Salvation Army offers 50 food appointments that provide an average of 540 cans to families in need.
The food assistance program is part of the Salvation Army's Crisis Programs that provide food, clothing, and financial assistance to Wake County residents. The food pantry provides canned and nonperishable goods to the food assistance program, the soup line, and the Women and Children's Shelter.
"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 Salvation Army is encouraging individuals, families and companies to donate cans or host a food drive. Items can be dropped off at the Judy D. Zelnak Center of Hope at 1863 Capital Boulevard in Raleigh.
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."
To download the Food Drive Tool Kit or learn more, visit the Salvation Army's Website.
