Hunger doesn't discriminate.

It affects everyone.

Is it really any wonder the Salvation Army Austin Corps' summer feeding program and two four-times-a-week evening meal program are so popular?

"We see parents and children," said Valeria Maloney, head cook for the daytime summer feeding program. "We offered a balanced, nutritious meal with an assortment of choices because kids like a variety.

"There's probably more children, than adults, but that's what we want to see. We want children to have a place to come to in the summer with their parents and to sit down and enjoy a good meal and have good conversation together. Sometimes none of that is available at home."

Midday meals are served Monday through Friday, beginning 11:30 a.m. at the Salvation Army Austin Corps.

The program is more than eight years old, said Lori Espe, volunteer coordinator for the Salvation Army. The Hormel Foundation supplies the program with financial assistance to hire staff and United Way of Mower County Inc. provides a grant for the purpose of food supplies.

Last year, the program fed 3,417 people.

Even if the people are collecting food stamps, it helps relieve poverty, Espe said.

"If they're eating here, that means they have more food stamps to use for a longer period of time each month," she said.

Millie Chapin assists her with the program.

"The people appreciate it," Maloney said. "We get nice comments about the food all the time and they say 'Thanks.' What we need to do is reach all of the people who really need this help. There are a lot of them in Mower County."

According to a study by the Children's Defense Fund of Minnesota, 12 percent of the children living in Mower County in 2001 lived in the poverty category. At the same time, the state average was 10 percent.

"There's definitely a need for this program," Maloney said.

On Monday and Tuesday nights, local churches take turns serving a supper meal, beginning 5:30 p.m.

But the busiest occasions, best attended meals and most popular menus are those prepared Wednesday and Thursday nights by Heidi Garcia.

"We have averaged 60 people, including men, women and kids, every Wednesday and Thursday evening," Garcia said. "They are couples and individuals, some handicapped, too. I would say they are divided half and half among Hispanics and others."

Arguably, the main attraction is Garcia's cooking. "She's the best," said Pat Wright, a Salvation Army social worker. "We have more people come here for her cooking than anything else."

And, it's no coincidence the talented cook ran out of food recently when her suppertime creations were quickly exhausted by a hungry crowd.

"They're all very grateful people," said Garcia, who joined the Salvation Army Austin Corps this spring as a bilingual social worker hired to better serve Hispanic clients with her interpreting skills.

Capt. Ed Wilson, a former officer in charge, started the summer feeding programs which grew to evening meals under the leadership of Major Doug Yeck.

Presently, the daytime meals Monday through Friday are adequately staffed and so are the Monday and Tuesday night church-served meals.

However, Garcia works alone and could use help, according to the social worker. As many as four volunteers are needed each Wednesday and Thursday evening at the Salvation Army from about 4:30 to 7 p.m. Anyone interested in assisting may call Garcia at 437-4566.

For more information about helping the Salvation Army Austin Corps, call 437-4566 and ask for Pat Wright or Lori Espe.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com