By Abigail Roberts
The Salvation Army of Danville is launching an emergency food campaign after a surge of local food assistance requests in recent weeks.
The organization says it has seen an increase of three-to-five times higher than usual for local food assistance.
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has not provided funding and has instructed states not to process SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits beginning in November.
The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services informed SNAP recipients that benefits for November cannot yet be loaded onto EBT cards.
“This includes benefits issued through the Simplified Application for the Elderly (SAFE) and Elderly Simplified Application Project (ESAP) programs,” DCBS said in a letter to SNAP recipients on Oct. 27. “We realize this is stressful and recognize how important these benefits are to your family. We are monitoring things at the federal level and understand the urgency of getting your benefits to you as soon as possible. We will notify you immediately when funds are available.”
In the meantime, local churches, businesses and non-profits are stepping up to fill the local need for food at this time. The Salvation Army of Danville released a statement this week announcing the launch of an emergency food campaign to help serve the needs of families in Boyle, Casey, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties.
“Last year we served over 1000 families with food assistance, and over 340 families were given additional food during the holiday season last year,” said Lt. Judah Irvin, “Our faith calls us to feed the hungry and serve those in need. Our community has always been strong to rally together and support our neighbors in their time of need, and we know we can do it again.”
The Salvation Army of Danville provides emergency food assistance, seasonal clothing assistance, emergency rental and utility assistance, long term case management for families escaping poverty and for those experiencing homelessness, emotional and spiritual counseling, youth outreach and educational programming, and adult community gatherings for worship and fellowship.
The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet Human Needs in His name without discrimination.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), 13.5 percent of U.S. households experienced food insecurity in 2023, and 17.9 percent of households with children were food insecure.
Financial contributions allow the organization to replenish supplies quickly and serve those in need efficiently.
How to Help:
- Donate online at https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/ky/danville/.
- Mail a check to The Salvation Army of Danville, Ky, 519 S 4th St, Danville, Ky 40422
- Every gift makes a difference: $50 feeds 3-5 families for a week; $100 feeds 6-10 families; $500 feeds 30-50 families; $1,000 sustains food assistance services for several weeks; $5,000 funds the food assistance program for a month.
Optional In-Kind Donations Section:
Local residents who prefer to donate non-perishable food items may do so at any of our locations 9:30am-4:00pm Mon-Fri:
- Danville, Ky Office – 519 S 4th St., Danville, Ky 40422
- Danville, Ky Store – 517 S 4th St., Danville, Ky 40422
- Stanford, Ky Store – 815 E Main St, Stanford, Ky 40484
These donations will directly support families in Boyle, Casey, Garrard, Lincoln and Mercer counties.
“The Salvation Army has served this community for over 75 years, and we know that our neighbors always come through for one another,” said Lieutenant Irvin. “With your help, we can share both food and the hope of Christ with every person who walks through our doors.”
For more information about the campaign or to schedule an interview, please contact Lieutenant Judah Irvin, 270.903.4729. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.
