The Salvation Army of Portage County is a Foodbank partner diligently serving seniors through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). CSFP, a federally funded program, works to improve the health of low-income seniors by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods.
Each month, 50 CSFP boxes are distributed by The Salvation Army through a contactless, drive-thru pickup. Some boxes are delivered directly to people who are home bound or lack access to transportation.
The Salvation Army also offers food to individuals and families through its food pantries in Ravenna and Windham and its Red Shield direct distributions. Since the pandemic affected many local families, its pantries serve approximately 600 families each month; Red Shield distributions serve 500 families each month.
“Food has always been a primary focus for us,” said Commanding Officer Captain Hardy. “And now we’re seeing about a 33 percent increase in new families seeking our services. Families are having to make choices like paying for rent or providing food, and food is the first thing to be put on the back burner.”
Seniors make up 40 percent of the individuals served through The Salvation Army’s food programs, but in Windham, approximately 70 percent of the people served are seniors. Captain Hardy also mentioned there are 30 grandparent families utilizing their services – grandparents struggling financially because they’re serving as the primary caregiver for their grandchildren.
Captain Hardy has seen his fair share of hardships, serving with The Salvation Army for nearly 13 years, but he remains positive and optimistic.
“We are the hope. When somebody tells you how happy they are and when we see a family eat, it makes it all worth it.”