The North Platte Salvation Army’s food pantry has canceled this Friday’s scheduled produce giveaway because of recent shortages of other foods. Though the event has temporarily been put on hold, there are hopes that it will return soon.
Social Services Ministries Director Brittany Colburn said a decline in donations has forced the Salvation Army to use the donated produce to fill the holes in the regular allotments, given out from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. Supplementing the boxes with produce means there is not enough produce to be given away on Fridays.
“We are in desperate need of nonperishables,” Colburn said. “We need canned meats, canned fruits, soups, baked beans, pasta and peanut butter. Peanut butter is a hot commodity with kids home for the summer.”
First United Methodist Church of North Platte recently wrapped up a food drive to assist, but there is still a need. On average, the Salvation Army uses its pantry to assist between 20 and 30 families per day.
In the past, the pantry limited eligibility to once every 90 days. Recently, because of computer updates, pantry staff have paused the policy, but they are still keeping tabs on those coming in. If someone is coming in too often, the pantry staff will walk them through alternatives such as enrolling in the food stamp program or finding another local food pantry.
Changes in Nebraska’s food stamp program have impacted the pantry’s operations as well, Colburn said. Gov. Pete Ricketts changed the structure of the food stamps program, reducing the amount of base aid for those enrolled in the program while simultaneously pairing enrollees with job opportunities in their area. Some take advantage of the openings and supplement their food stamp assistance, but some do not, which leaves them reliant on food pantries to cover the difference.
People interested in contributing can take donations to the Salvation Army building, 1020 N. Adams Ave., or call the Salvation Army at 308-532-2038 and a volunteer will pick them up.
