The Salvation Army is dedicated to eliminating food insecurity.
As defined in 2017 USDA study, “food insecurity” is “a disruption to food intake or eating patterns due to lack of money or other resources.” With more than 48 million Americans facing this threat daily, we work to cure hunger by providing nutritious meals to anyone in need via food pantries and meal assistance. This includes help for homeless people of all ages as well as individuals and families in need of extra assistance. In addition to addressing the immediate symptoms of food insecurity, our 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 our fight against hunger and food insecurity, The Salvation Army provides over 56 million meals annually through:
Food Pantries
By supplying free fresh produce, canned goods, and healthy frozen items, our food pantries provide valuable meal supplementation while helping those in need maintain their independence and dignity. These food pantries are especially crucial in “food deserts,” where entire communities experience food insecurity due to lack of grocery store access.
Meal Programs
From sit-down programs that provide nutritious hot meals and valuable human interaction, to mobile meals delivering sustenance to those who cannot reach a food distribution center, to feeding programs across our hundreds of shelters and residential facilities, we help the most vulnerable members of society escape the daily burdens of food insecurity.
Community Gardens
Each Salvation Army community garden provides a no-cost, renewable source of produce as well as vital work
structure for those involved in the cultivation and care of the food. These sustainable programs present a viable long-term solution to
chronic food insecurity while offering educational opportunities for children and adults alike.
They are currently in need of non-perishable food items.