Local food bank low on donations

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Workers at a local food pantry say while they're used to helping the needy in Greater Lafayette, now they are the ones asking for help.

Volunteers and workers at the Salvation Army in Lafayette said if they don't get more food donations from the community, they fear they'll have to turn away those who need help the most.

"Look at this. We only have one jar of peanut butter on the shelf here," Major Jim Irvine said. "Not only is it sad that we only have one jar, but understand that for some people that is their source of protein."

Major Jim Irvine with the Salvation Army in Lafayette said during the two years he's worked there, he hasn't seen such a lack of donations during a time when the need is so high.

"The challenge for the Salvation Army is that we have a lot of people coming in looking for help," Major Irvine said. "And we're seeing that not only in repeat families, but we're seeing that in families that have never had to rely on social assistance in the past."

Major Irvine said although they just stocked the shelves at the pantry for the week, many areas on the shelves still sit bare.

"When we only have a limited resource here, it's hard to meet the needs that are out there," Major Irvine added.

Food pantry volunteer Eloise Lewellen said throughout the 19 years she's been volunteering at the Salvation Army, she has seen a lot of changes and a lot more of a demand from the community.

"It seems like 19 years ago when I started the need wasn't quite so great," Eloise Lewellen said. "We certainly had clients coming in on a regular basis but the need isn't as great as it is today."

Major Irvine said today the need isn't just for food, but also for personal hygiene products and even everyday household items like toilet paper.

"We need paper products," Major Irvine explained. "Those cannot be purchased with food stamps. Imagine not having the necessary paper products in your home. It's very essential that we receive these and diapers and other personal hygiene items."

So, Irvine said next time you're at the store and your able to grab a few extra items and donate them, those few extra items could go a long way for a hungry family.

Major Irvine said the best way to help and make a donation is simply dropping off a bag or box of groceries to the Salvation Army office in Lafayette.