The Salvation Army in Huntsville is asking for the community’s help as growing demand has left its local food pantry facing a critical shortage of canned goods and other non-perishable foods.

The organization said rising grocery and housing costs and financial uncertainty are sending more people to the pantry for assistance, with senior citizens and families with children among those increasingly seeking help.

“Many families continue to struggle with rising food prices, and financial instability has left too many of our neighbors without the resources to put food on the table,” said Maj. Joseph May, commanding officer of The Salvation Army in Huntsville.

“Providing food from our pantry to hungry families is a critical community need that we can only continue to provide with help from our friends and neighbors.”

The Salvation Army is seeking donations of canned and shelf-stable foods, including pasta, cereal, beans, crackers, rice, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, soups and stews, vegetables and fruit.

The organization expects requests for food assistance to continue increasing in the coming weeks and months and said community donations are needed to keep the pantry stocked for current and new clients.

Those who would rather make a financial contribution can donate through The Salvation Army’s Huntsville giving page.

For more information about donating food or other ways to help, call The Salvation Army at 256-536-5576 or visit The Salvation Army Huntsville.

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