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FOOD PANTRIES STRUGGLING TO KEEP UP
Saturday, January 22nd, 2011 -- 8:57 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
More than 90-percent of the Salvation Army’s food pantries in the nation are reporting an increased need for food while donations have declined. In Wisconsin the story is much the same, with local pantries struggling to keep up. Just minutes after the doors opened at the Salvation Army food pantry in Chippewa Falls recently, a line of clients formed and the three back room volunteers rushed to fill the orders. Food Pantry Coordinator Sally Hegg says they get between 25 and 40 requests a day and within the last two years demand has jumped. Last year, the pantry served more than 9,000 people. And with increasing need the Salvation Army overall has seen an 8-percent decline in food donations. Robert Thomson is the Divisional Commander of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. He says with fewer donations they’re turning to other non-profits to stock their shelves. Thomson says spending money to buy food, even at discounted rates, limits what people spend on vouchers for fresh items, gas and even rental assistance.
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