Salvation Army Outlines Food Challenges For 2011

From an economic standpoint the recession is over.

From the standpoint of need for those who were already unemployed has lost work or seen hours cut or for those who are homeless the need for food and shelter is increasing.

The Salvation Amy released its first national food report Tuesday entitled Feeding The Need 2011 which indicated the ministry’s food service programs saw a staggering 94 percent increase in requests for 2010.

Some of the survey’s key findings include:

  • Overall, about one-third of respondents reported that food stocks were either approaching low (20 to 40 percent full) or are at dangerously low (less than 20 percent full) levels.
  • Nearly 60 percentof Salvation Army programs saw donations remain flat or decline from all funding sources, including government, public and private sources.
  • Of food programs surveyed,55 percent reported that their shelves were half-full or less.

Despite the difficult statistics there are some silver linings, including the fact that  36 percent of respondents stated donations increased in 2010, with 23 percent stating donations increased between 10 and 25 percent.

The Salvation Army is, in my experience, a trustworthy organization with discernable Christian values. So, too, may be the local food bank your church operates or the food pantry run in conjunction with local municipal agencies.

You may be blessed with a good job, reliable income and health benefits. And even though things may be getting better overall, undoubtedly there is still a long road ahead for many. Consider where your help might be used to serve others.

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  1. mgirardier said:

    Thank you so much for sharing this article. As a fellow Christian food pantry volunteer I concur with the Salvation Army and their findings. If you don’t mind I would like to share this article on my Pantry of Praise blog. Written to inspire and encourage those in the food pantry ministry. Pantryofpraise.com

    January 26, 2011
    Reply
  2. mgirardier – You’re welcome. Please feel free to share it with your fellow food pantry volunteers. God bless your important work.

    January 26, 2011
    Reply

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