Shortage on shelves of Salvation Army food pantry as need grows in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Salvation Army of Lincoln is seeing more families at its food pantry this summer, which is creating a shortage of canned goods.

The organization said the start of summer vacation usually signifies an increase in the need for food.

But in comparison to this time last yet, that need has nearly doubled.

“When people come in, it’s a challenge to watch them fill out the intake form because you know that this is the last place that they most likely want to be,” said Joanna Gillespie, director of social services for the Salvation Army.

She said when the shelves are nearly empty, there is a disheartened feeling coming from the families.

Gillespie said inflation also plays a part in the increase in pantry visits.

She said people are starting to feel the effects of higher prices at the grocery store.

Gillespie said the inflation is having a chain reaction on other services working to combat food insecurity.

“I really attribute that to the prices of things, and access,” Gillespie said. “There’s a lot of places that access was that are just not serving as much as they were.”

The Salvation Army is currently getting help from community partners, like farmers who are donating extra produce, but is also calling on the community to donate canned goods.

Financial donations are also welcomed through their website.