The community responded with 6,000 pounds of donated food after The Salvation Army cut back the days its free food pantry was open last month due to a shortage of donations to keep the shelves stocked.
The donations allowed the pantry to return to its schedule of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday for families that need help. Previously, the pantry had cut back to every other week.
“We’ve been tremendously blessed by this community,” Salvation Army Capt. Chase Green said last week. The 6,000 pounds included lots of canned goods and other shelf-stable foods, plus milk, frozen fish — and even some frozen moose meat, he said.
Donations began to decline after the holiday season, leading the church to issue a call for the community to help refill the shelves.
The pantry serves an average of 25 to 30 households a week.
Even with the large volume of donations this month, The Salvation Army will continue to accept bags, boxes and totes with food to keep the pantry well stocked. The church has a couple of large freezers and can accept perishable foods, including fruits and vegetables if they can be frozen.
Donors can bring food to the church on Zimovia Highway most any weekday and leave it at the door if no one is there. Or call ahead at 907-874-3753 to arrange to drop off donated items.
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