Salvation Army Boosts Rural Communities Affected by Unique Hunger Challenges

In rural villages surrounding Kirkland Lake, Ontario, The Salvation Army is filling in gaps, so everyone can enjoy a glass of milk, a healthy snack and nutritious food.

“The school nutrition program, in partnership with the Red Cross, and monthly hamper delivery in remote and isolated villages is promoting community wellness and ensuring that individuals, families and children, have access to healthy food,” says Auxiliary Captain Robbie Donaldson, community ministries coordinator.

Donaldson says that in most villages, a struggling economy has resulted in a lack of food retailers. Rural shoppers may rely on more expensive and less nutritious food, such as the types available at gas stations convenience stores.

“It’s nice to have the assurance that people in my community won’t go without.”

“Many people in remote communities are limited by geographical isolation, financial restraints and inadequate transport. Most cannot afford vehicles. With no vehicle and no public transport to a town with a supermarket or grocery store, food insecurity and poor health outcomes has become an increasingly troubling issue,” says Donaldson.

Virginiatown is one of the northern communities that benefits from The Salvation Army’s hamper and school nutrition program.

“I was a teachers aid for six years and saw children with no snacks or not enough lunch,” says Melanie. “This can negatively affect their school performance. It was easy for me to identify families without them coming out to say they needed help.”

On behalf of The Salvation Army, Melanie delivers the snacks when school is out, or they are unable to provide them. Meanwhile, every month Salvation Army staff and volunteers undertake the food hamper deliveries.

“In a community of 600 everybody knows everybody. People who struggle, do not want others to know,” says Melanie. “When snacks or food hampers are delivered directly to a home, it protects dignity and shows love and respect. That’s important to people.”

“The Salvation Army is grateful for strong partnerships that align with our vision to bring hope to those facing hardship.”

Food boxes include non-perishables, diapers, formula, personal hygiene items, frozen foods, milk, cereal, eggs, bread and fresh produce. The school nutrition program provides snacks that include granola bars and applesauce.

“The Salvation Army is grateful for strong partnerships that align with our vision to bring hope to those facing hardship,” says Donaldson.

“It’s nice to have the assurance that people in my community won’t go without,” says Melanie.

By Linda Leigh