Salvation Army of Mahoning County to distribute food today
YOUNGSTOWN — The Salvation Army of Mahoning County, 1501 Glenwood Ave., will have a food distribution from 10 a.m. to noon today (April 10).
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has seen a significant increase in the number of people in need of food, according to a news release. Its ongoing collaboration with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley has enabled the Salvation Army to handle the increased demand.
The Salvation Army distributed nearly 40,000 pounds of food, provided by Second Harvest Food Bank, in Mahoning County during the first quarter of this year, compared with approximately 13,000 pounds in the first three months of 2019.
"We've seen an increase in the number of new families coming for food assistance," Maj. Paul Moore of the Salvation Army of Mahoning County said in the release. "And we've seen some families who haven't been here in years. Many are in desperate need of food assistance during this time of crisis."
Food distributions occur at the facility from 10 a.m. to noon every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Major Moore said Second Harvest Food Bank is a valued partner in its mission.
"For years we've enjoyed a wonderful partnership with Second Harvest," he said. "We strive to be good stewards of the funds we receive from our donors. This relationship allows us to leverage funds very efficiently while acquiring the most in-demand food items."
The food bank supports six Salvation Army posts throughout Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.
Between January and March, those six Salvation Army posts combined received a 100 percent increase in the amount of food provided by Second Harvest, compared with the same time period last year.
"We are glad to provide food to Maj. Moore and his team to help feed more hungry people in this time of uncertainty," Mike Iberis, Second Harvest Food Bank executive director, said.
This story was originally published April 10, 2020 at 5:37 AM with the headline "Salvation Army of Mahoning County to distribute food today."