‘National Salvation Army Week’ story series, Part 3: Hunger  

National Salvation Army Week is May 11–17. To celebrate, The Salvation Army Northern Division is publishing stories about some of our most important services to illustrate how your donations and volunteer work are Doing the Most Good for people and families in Minnesota and North Dakota. 

The Salvation Army is one of the largest food providers in Minnesota and North Dakota, operating hot meal programs and 31 food pantries that together provide 3.4 million meals annually.

These programs are a lifeline for thousands of families, as illustrated in this story submitted by a Salvation Army Northern Division caseworker:   

One weekday morning, a young man came to our food shelf asking for groceries. His family had almost no food in their house. His mother had made him stay home from school so that he could make a trip to The Salvation Army. The young man told us, “The only thing we have is cereal, but we have no milk.” We gave him a gallon of milk and as many groceries as he could carry home. 

Salvation Army food shelves also bless seniors who are struggling to get by. That includes a 78-year-old Minnesota woman named Diane (pictured). She lives on just $968 per month, most of which goes toward paying real estate taxes, utilities, car insurance, and other bills. She can only afford to eat twice per day and fill her car’s gas tank once every two months.

“Thank you to all the people who donate,” Diane said. “Without you, many of us would be starving. Because of you, I’m still in my house and I’m doing great.” (Watch a video about Diane.) 

Salvation Army food programs are vitally important, as about 1 in 5 Minnesota families are now relying on food shelves to make ends meet. That’s around 20 percent of the state’s entire population, or nearly 1.2 million people. 

Among those impacted is Desmond (pictured) – a young man who works at a hospital but still needs help from time to time. 

“There are always bills to pay, rent, and food on top of that, so I have to be careful with budgeting,” he said. “It's great to have [The Salvation Army] to fall back on when things go wrong.” (Watch a video about Desmond.)

As the rising costs of food threaten to push the number of families and individuals seeking help to even higher levels this year, The Salvation Army appreciates donors and volunteers like you who make our food pantry and hot meal programs possible.

“National Salvation Army Week is about recognizing the people who support our mission,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division commander. “Our volunteers and donors are the driving force behind every meal served and every life changed.”

Help us Celebrate National Salvation Army Week by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.