Salvation Army of Jackson receives major food donation amid SNAP delay crisis

The Salvation Army of Jackson Receives Major Food Donation Amid SNAP Delay Crisis

Jackson, TN — During the recent government shutdown, many West Tennessee families faced a sudden and unexpected hardship when federal SNAP benefits were delayed. As a result, The Salvation Army of Jackson’s food pantry experienced an overwhelming surge in requests for assistance. Week after week, staff and volunteers questioned whether they would have enough food to meet the needs of every family who came through the line.

In the midst of this uncertainty, hope arrived—through the hands of neighbors.

Pastor Larry Mercer of Cerro Gordo Baptist Church, a dedicated Advisory Board member for The Salvation Army, recognized the urgent need and sprang into action. He reached out to community partner, William Saveh, owner of Olympic Steakhouse in Bells, TN. Without hesitation, Mr. Saveh offered to help in a big way.

Over the course of three major deliveries, Olympic Steakhouse donated more than $50,000 worth of food to The Salvation Army. Captain Will Richardson, Corps Officer for the Jackson Salvation Army, said the generosity came at the exact moment it was needed most.

“Our pantry shelves were nearly empty,” Richardson said. “We were preparing for the possibility that we might have to turn people away. These donations didn’t just refill our shelves—they restored hope to hundreds of families. We are deeply grateful.”

Thanks to this remarkable act of generosity, The Salvation Army’s food pantry was fully restocked, allowing the organization to resume substantial weekly food distributions and support those who temporarily lost access to SNAP benefits. The Salvation Army holds its weekly food distribution every Thursday, from 9:00am to 12:00pm CT, at 125 Allen Ave in Jackson. All qualifying families in need are welcome.

The Salvation Army of Jackson extends its heartfelt thanks to Mr. William Saveh and Olympic Steakhouse for their extraordinary donation, and to Pastor Larry Mercer for facilitating the connection that made this response possible.

“In times of need, our community always steps up,” Captain Richardson said. “This is what it looks like when neighbors serve neighbors in the name of Christ.”

To learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army’s work feeding and serving families across West Tennessee, please visit www.SalvationArmyJacksonTN.org or call 731-422-1271.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood

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