Salvation Army in need of food; offers assistance for utilities

Ed Kyte, Salvation Army food pantry coordinator goes over inventory.

By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. 

LUDINGTON — The Salvation Army of Ludington is in a crisis. The agency’s food pantry is almost empty while the demand for food continues to rise.

Capt. Timothy McPherson said the agency/church is in need of boxed meals, tuna, noodles, canned soup, juice, canned meat, canned beans, snacks for children, canned fruit, tomato sauce, pasta sauce. “Basically the only thing we are not in short supply of is canned vegetables,” he said.

“This has been a difficult winter for many people,” McPherson said.

Anyone wishing to donate food items may drop them off at the food pantry at the Salvation Army headquarters at 116 E. Melendy St Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone needing food may stop at the pantry Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Friday between 1 to 3 p.m.

McPherson said other agencies that offer food pantries in Mason County include Cornerstone Baptist Church, St. Simon’s Catholic Church, Harbor Light Fellowship in Ludington and St. Mary’s/St. Jerome’s Catholic Parish in Scottville.

Salvation Army can also provide other assistance to families and individuals in need. The church/agency also provides utility assistance.

Residents of Mason or Oceana counties can call ahead to make an appointment. Right now there is a two week wait.

“For metered utilities (natural gas and electricity), we will need proof of identification for all household residents, such as picture ID or Social Security card, proof of income for one month such as check stubs or award letter for Social Security,” McPherson said. “We also need a current bill showing that the account is past due. Please note that we do not have to have a shut off notice, just the bill showing that it’s past due.

“Applicants must be at 150% of the poverty level. We determine this through their proof of income. Applicants cannot have applied with any other agency for assistance, except for the Department of Human Services. However, one does not need to go to DHS first for assistance, this requirement is new.

“For people with deliverable fuels such as propane and fuel oil, they need to be at 25% to be eligible.

“We can assist up to $4,000 per household this season and multiple times, too. In some instances, we can exceed this amount with approval from our headquarters in Grand Rapids.’

If anyone has further questions, they should call the Salvation Army office at 231-843-3711.