Jamestown (CSi)  The city of Jamestown doesn’t shy away from a good challenge and we’re certainly faced with one today – The Jamestown Salvation Army food shelf is at a record low. 

“This summer we are faced with a greater challenge as more families need more help to get them by,” explained Lt. Mitch Brecto, Salvation Army leader.

For the months of June and July we gave out 21,000 lbs. of food with only 10,000 lbs. worth of donations coming in.  As a result, we’ve had to purchase an unexpected amount of food from the food bank, Walmart and other places.

‘We are so thankful for the food from the community, businesses, churches, daily bread program, Hugo’s and Pizza Hut, but unfortunately it’s just not enough,” Brecto said.

While the economy has rebounded, Brecto said many people’s paychecks haven’t, resulting in a lot of families with children coming into the food shelf. Families who normally rely on school lunch programs to help feed their kids are now having a difficult time coming up with enough to get everybody fed through summer break.

The best gift to give the food shelf is money.  The Jamestown Salvation Army is able to tap into a network of low-cost food banks where pallets of food can be purchased for as little as 12 cents per pound and milk can be purchased for less than $2 per gallon.

“A gift of just $10 will go much further for us than purchasing $25 worth of groceries on your own thanks to our networks,” said Brecto.

That said the food shelves at the Army are so dramatically low any help is greatly appreciated.  You can donate in person at 320 1st Ave. N. in Jamestown or online at SalvationArmyNorth.org/Jamestown.

About The Salvation Army

            The Salvation Army has been serving Jamestown for more than 100 years. To volunteer or make a donation call 701-252-0290.  Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 320 1st Ave. N., Jamestown, ND 58401. For more information or to make an online donation please visit SalvationArmyNorth.org/Jamestown.