Supplies low for hungry

Published 12:00 am Sunday, October 3, 1999

Imagine if the Salvation Army Austin Corps emergency food shelves were empty.

Sunday, October 03, 1999

Imagine if the Salvation Army Austin Corps emergency food shelves were empty.

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That’s the scenario that Deb Stahl wants to avoid.

It hasn’t happened yet, but she is worried food supplies could get so low that the hungry people who come to the Salvation Army would be turned away.

"It’s not at the crisis stage yet," Stahl said. "But, there is a need. We have had more requests this year than a year ago and because we didn’t get any food from the Garden and Pantry food drive this fall, there are shortages."

Stahl is the social service worker at the Salvation Army Austin Corps. One of her jobs is to coordinate the food pantry services.

Last month, there were 130 requests for food. A year ago, the total was 86 in September 1998.

"The 88 households we served with emergency food supplies in September were more than the entire total for the month last year at this time," Stahl said.

According to Stahl, the requests for food come from new residents to Austin, who come here to take jobs and make a living.

"Some of these people come here with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They might even be in shorts and not prepared for what lies ahead in Minnesota winter weather," she said. "We have our regulars, of course, but there are also a larger number of transients, who are passing through and who need this help, too.

"My biggest concern is that the emergency food shelves are running low," she said. "Yes, we have food, but, no, we don’t have all the things we need; especially considering that we have the annual Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets to fill."

The Salvation Army Austin Corps food pantry serves all of Mower County. It is the only resource to turn to for food help when penniless and unable to purchase food with one’s own resources. Another program, called "C.R.O.P.S." distributes food to the needy for a small price and community service.

Tighter welfare and Food Stamp restrictions have also caused those receiving public assistance to work within a budget.

Stahl is suggesting those clubs, organizations, churches and schools, planning holiday food drives to start early this fall.

"We need the help now," she said.

Among a lengthy list of non-perishable food items needed to fill family requests for food are jellies, macaroni and cheese, Hamburger Helper, stuffing, juice, condiments, cereals, Ramen noodles, peanut butter in small sizes, crackers, formula for babies and spaghetti sauce. Also, frozen meats and vegetables are among the items Stahl listed.

The Salvation Army Austin Corps limits its distribution of food items to one within 60 days.

The organization will also accept cash donations and donors can designate that the money must go to the food pantry.

The organization started taking applications for Thanksgiving food baskets Friday and it will continue through November 12. Interested income-eligible applicants must complete and application form and be interviewed.

"The Austin and greater Mower County community supports the Salvation Army so generously," Stahl said. "But, we need that support for the food shelf earlier this year than ever before."

For more information about helping the Salvation Army Austin Corps relieve the potential food shortage, call Stahl at 437-4566.