‘National Salvation Army Week’ story series, Part III: Hunger
National Salvation Army Week is May 12–18. To celebrate, The Salvation Army Northern Division is publishing stories about some of our most important services to illustrate how your donations and volunteer work are Doing the Most Good® for people and families in Minnesota and North Dakota.
What do the frontlines of hunger look like in Minnesota and North Dakota?
They often look like the story below, submitted by a Salvation Army Northern Division caseworker:
One weekday morning, a young man came to our food shelf asking for groceries. His family had almost no food in their house. His mother had made him stay home from school so that he could make a trip to The Salvation Army. The young man told us, “The only thing we have is cereal, but we have no milk.” We gave him a gallon of milk and as many groceries as he could carry home.
Salvation Army food shelves also bless families experiencing unexpected emergencies. That includes a woman named Teri, her husband, and their three kids. Since late 2022, the family has received a steady supply of groceries from The Salvation Army in Brooklyn Park, Minn., while Teri has battled cancer. (Watch a video about Teri as she is interviewed by Minnesota Vikings legend Cris Carter.)
“Cancer puts a whole new perspective on your life and how you live it,” said Teri (pictured). “Being able to not worry about food is nice when there are so many other bills to think about. I’m so thankful The Salvation Army is here.”
The Salvation Army is one of the largest food providers in Minnesota and North Dakota, operating hot meal programs and 31 food pantries that together provide an average of 8,200 meals every day.
These programs remain vitally important after a new local study exposed an alarming reality: About 1 in 5 Minnesota families are now relying on food shelves to make ends meet. Another new study revealed that Minnesotans made nearly 9 million visits to food shelves in 2024 – shattering the all-time record of 7.5 million visits set in 2023.
Among those impacted is Carolyn – a grandma and great-grandma from St. Paul with 12 family members in her care.
Carolyn is the primary caregiver for four of her adult children and four grandchildren – all of whom live with autism – plus four great-grandchildren. She receives food at the West 7th Salvation Army in St. Paul.
“I’m grateful we still have people in this world who are willing to help those who are in dire need,” said Carolyn. “I know we can’t save everybody, but trust me – you’re saving 12 people right here.” (Watch a video about Carolyn.)
As the rising costs of food, housing, and basic necessities threaten to push the number of families and individuals seeking help to record highs this year, The Salvation Army appreciates donors and volunteers like you who make our food pantry and hot meal programs possible.
Help Celebrate National Salvation Army Week by giving a donation or signing up to volunteer.