Local Food Supply For Hungry Families Dwindles

TYLER — With what’s termed the slow comeback of the economy, the most vulnerable among us are still at risk, according to a news release from the Tyler Salvation Army. The U.S. Census Bureau now rates almost half of all Americans in the poor or low-income categories. The Salvation Army nationwide is seeing heavy demand for food relief. Tyler is no exception as, more and more, local residents are reaching the end of their savings and desperately need help, according to local officials.

“We don�t feed statistics, we feed people,” remarks Major Ben Lawrence of the Tyler Salvation Army. “And right now, we need your support to feed 19,056 people, including a whole new population coming to us for food. Our regulars are now being joined by the formerly middle-class, a group that’s just begun to embrace a nightmare they probably thought they’d never see − no money for food. With foreclosures and costs rising, not to mention the effects of recession, times are hard for many in our community.”

Unfortunately, this phenomenon coincides with a seasonal low in Salvation Army food pantry supplies, official say. “We’ve used up our holiday donations feeding people through the holidays and beyond,” observes Lawrence. “We need a new influx of support. Last year in Tyler we served 207,894 meals. The Salvation Army feeds 114 hungry people every minute in the U.S. Last year, the organization provided more than 59 million meals for hungry children and families and across the nation. This year, we expect to provide more than 235,000 meals to hungry men, women and children here in Tyler and provide grants for shelter, clothing, medicine and food for more than 94,000 families in desperate need.”

“The Salvation Army has always served the neediest,” adds Lawrence, “and we will continue to respond to cries for help from those who need it most. But we depend on the support of the community to do our work. We urge our friends to make a gift so we can help those who are hurting most of all.� To donate to The Salvation Army, call 903-592-4361; mail your gifts to 633 N. Broadway Ave., Tyler, TX 75702; or go to http://www.salvationarmytexas.org/tyler to make a donation online.