The Austin Salvation Army is still looking for help to meet increased summer need at the food shelf, but in a different way.

During the July 4 parade, the Salvation Army collected about 1,550 pounds of food. Though short of their goal of 5,000 pounds, Lt. David Amick was pleased with the results in the drive’s first year.

“It did very well for our first time,” he said.

Amick was thankful to the community for the help, saying he’s always amazed by the community’s generosity.

Amick foresees the Salvation Army holding a similar food drive during the parade in future years.

Food shelves are traditionally low in the summer, but this year has seen an increased need in the number of families seeking services. Case manager Lori Espe said 450 families sought food donations in June, up from 250 to 300 in a typical summer month last year.

In July, the Salvation Army is seeking cash donations, as all monetary donations will be matched by the Open Your Heart Food Shelf Challenge through Hunger Solutions.

In July, Open Your Heart will match financial gifts to the food shelf with a minimum of $150 and up to $5,000.

“We could definitely use all the help we could get,” Amick said.