Soaring food prices are impacting the Salvation Army’s ability to feed the homeless, and the non-profit group is asking for help from the public.
The Salvation Army is partnering with the Augusta Mall and WJBF NewsChannel 6 to extend the September food drive and will hold a collection event at Augusta Mall in the Dillard’s overflow parking lot on Sept. 23 from noon to 6 p.m.
According to Derek Dugan, director of development for the Salvation Army, the community initiative will benefit the Center of Hope. In addition to providing crucial shelter and case management services to individuals facing homelessness, the Center of Hope operates as a community soup kitchen, offering free dinners to those in need every evening.
The Salvation Army buys food from the Golden Harvest Food Bank at discounted prices, but Dugan says items are limited to what the food bank has in stock.
“We have to buy food the same way as everyone else, and as you know prices are two-and-a-half times more than they were a couple of years ago and right now our shelves are bare,” Dugan said.
According to Dugan, food expenses at The Center of Hope have surged by a staggering 55%, and the increase highlights the need for community support to ensure that no one in Augusta goes hungry.
The Salvation Army is specifically requesting non-perishable items such as rice, pasta and canned goods.
Dugan says that The Salvation Army is gearing up for winter when the group sees more need from the homeless at the shelter.
“During the warm months, some people will sleep outdoors or in their cars, but when the weather gets cold, starting around November, we see an influx of people needing assistance,” Dugan said.
For those unable to participate at the mall, donations can also be dropped off at The Center of Hope, the Kroc Center, and all of The Salvation Army’s Family Stores. Online donations can also be made at salvationarmyaugusta.org.
Scott Hudson is the Senior Investigative Reporter and Editorial Page Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
