Salvation Army in Jackson issues urgent request for food donations

JACKSON, Tenn. – The Salvation Army of Jackson has issued a call to the community for urgent food donations as food insecurity continues to rise in Madison County. 

“The majority of the people we see either have small children in the home or are seniors, typically. A lot of the seniors are living on a fixed income so they are utilizing the resources they can, like our food pantry,” said Emily Ricket, the Core Mission And Development Manager at the Salvation Army of Jackson.

The Salvation Army is asking for your help to restock shelves and help feed families in West Tennessee.

This location serves over 100 families per week.

Ricket wants to remind others that those you interact with daily may be in need and you might not ever know. 

“We want to show people they are loved and cared for. By not only us but by the people who are donating to us. Those donors are making the difference in someone else’s life even if they don’t ever meet them or if they’re someone that you just don’t even realize is in need,” Ricket said.

Leaders of the Salvation Army tend to see an increased need for donations in the months after the holidays and when expenses increase due to weather changes or inflation. 

“Sometimes you have to make that choice between can you pay your utility bill and your rent and buy food, or you know, what has to give? And to keep the lights on and keep you housed, you have to choose those things first,” Ricket said.

They are asking for donations to stock the shelves with non-perishable goods like canned meats and vegetables, pasta and sauce, peanut butter, and other items that are shelf-stable. 

“No one should be hungry. I’ve always believed that. No one should be wanting for their basic needs,” Ricket said.

You can drop off food donations at 125 Allen Ave during regular hours. 

Find more local news here.