The Salvation Army Finds New Ways to Feed and Connect with Students in Halifax

In February, The Salvation Army in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, teamed up with Youth Unlimited to bring students in the area ‘Parking Lot Pizza.’ With a goal of celebrating and feeding teens that might not otherwise have had a meal, this initiative is one of many the church has been working on as they celebrated ‘Encounter Love Month’ – 28 days dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus.

“It has been a tough couple of years for everyone, but especially for students that are continuously trying to navigate in-person and virtual learning,” says Captain Brent Haas, corps officer/pastor of The Salvation Army’s Encounter Church. “The pandemic has impacted their home lives. We don’t know or fully understand the struggles these teens face. That is why we wanted to provide the students with a place to connect and let them know we are here to support them however we can, whether that is a free lunch or a listening ear.”

Students have been able to stop by each Wednesday and Thursday during the month to enjoy snacks, drinks, and a slice of delicious pizza from Freeman’s Little New York served out of The Salvation Army’s mobile truck. The initiative has become increasingly popular, with over four hundred junior and senior high school students stopping by each week.

“It has been a complete honour serving the students of our community,” shared Haas. “There is no shortage of love, and the incredible turnout has led to the expansion of the project until the end of the school year.”

Students are encouraged to keep stopping by 51 Metropolitan Avenue, Lower Sackville, on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to enjoy a lunch at The Salvation Army’s Encounter Church.