ALAMANCE COUNTY, N.C. -- The Salvation Army in Alamance County is need of donations after a sharp increase in the number of people needing food from its food pantry.
Since the summer, the food pantry has been serving about 220 families per week, double its normal amount.
Social Services Director Wendy Lewis says recent changes to the federal food stamp program has brought more people to their doors.
"They have so many other things to worry about,” she said. “We just don't want them to have to worry about food. So for us, it's really heartbreaking."
In July, federal guidelines were reinstated, requiring people who get food stamps to work, volunteer, or be in school for at least 20 hours a week.
Standards Lewis says some people just can't meet.
"There are some people, transportation is an issue, child care is an issue," she said.
Lewis says they've had to make cuts.
For example, a family of six or more usually gets at least two boxes of food but now, they are only given one.
"There's a higher increase of people needing food before the holidays so that is kind of scary," said Lt. Derrick Smith with the Salvation Army in Alamance County.
Along with scaling back on food, the nonprofit may also have to cut some of the food pantry's hours.
"We would hate to do that, but that's one of the things we would have to consider,” Smith said.
Donations can be taken directly to the Salvation Army’s two offices in Burlington at 812 North Anthony St. and 3720 South Church St.
The nonprofit is in need of spaghetti, macaroni and cheese, canned meat, canned beans, canned potatoes and breakfast items.
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