MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – As the U.S. Government reopens, federal SNAP benefits are once again flowing throughout the state. But during the 43-day shutdown, food pantries like the Salvation Army of Marquette County saw a sharp rise in families seeking help. 19 News visited the Salvation Army food pantry in Marquette on Monday to find out why the need for donations is still critical.
The chapel inside the Marquette County Salvation Army is filled with donated items, turning this sacred space into a repository of hope. Canned goods of all kinds, household items, baby food, warm outerwear, all of this, the donations of a caring community.
“Our numbers across the board have been way up. In the last two weeks. We had over 3000 people. We served in our pantries, and we did over 2000 hot meals,” said Salvation Army Head Administrator for Marquette, Baraga, and Alger Counties, Bill Brutto.
And even with SNAP benefits restored, the need isn’t going away. The Salvation Army says they still rely heavily on volunteer bell ringers for the kettle campaign, food service workers, and folks to deliver food to shut-ins. If your heart is in the right place, they have a place for you.
“We have volunteer opportunities for all ages and so and for all skill sets and capabilities,” said Brutto.
Brutto says that the donated food doesn’t stay on the shelves very long.
“Our pantries are running low at this time, but as soon as the food does arrive here, we make sure that it does go right back out, and so we’re going to continue to need as much help as possible. Need does not have a season, right? It’s going to be a year-round thing, and we’re going to need to continue to have the community support,” explained Brutto.
The Salvation Army is also kicking off its annual coat drive, and thanks to a donation of more than 300 new coats, it can make sure every child who needs a warm coat this winter will have one.
“We’re also, this week, giving away coats to the community, to anyone who needs it, brand new coats. We are very blessed with a very nice donation of probably about 300 coats that we want to give out to our community,” said Brutto.
For information on how you can volunteer with The Salvation Army or ways to donate, please visit their website: samarquette.org
