MEDCOC BR September 2023 Final

“We believe in the strength and compassion of our community.” future, “By working together, we can ensure that food is always available for those who need it most.” For more information to donate or get connected to one of The Salvation Army food pantries please contact your local Salvation Army or visit our website HERE. n About The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that has been providing essential services and support to individuals and families in need for over a century. In Southern Oregon, The Salvation Army operates various programs, including food banks, shelters, and emergency assistance, to help those facing hardship. With the support of donors and volunteers, The Salvation Army strives to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and communities. Each night in the United States, 17.4 million families go to bed hungry. An additional 6.9 million families live on the verge of food insecurity. That means they don’t always know where their next meal is coming from. By supplying free fresh produce, canned goods, and healthy frozen items, our food pantries provide valuable meal supplementation while helping those in need maintain their independence and dignity. These food pantries are especially crucial in “food deserts,” where entire communities experience food insecurity due to lack of grocery store access. In 2021, we served over 171 million meals across the United States.

Captain Nathan Perry of The Salvation Army in Grants Pass has seen 70% increase in request for services, “We are facing an unprecedented challenge where the demand for food assistance has surged dramatically. We’re launching a food drive to rally support and ensure we have the resources to meet the rising demand. Your generous contributions will play a vital role in feeding our neighbors and restoring hope in these trying times.” The Salvation Army in Grants Pass recently had to temporarily close their pantry to restock shelves and restructure operations in order to meet the growing need within the community. The Salvation Army’s food pantries have traditionally been a lifeline for families and individuals who are struggling to put food on the table. However, the current situation threatens the organization’s ability to continue meeting these essential needs. With winter approaching and the holiday season just around the corner, the timing could not be more critical. “We are witnessing a perfect storm of factors that are putting tremendous strain on our ability to provide for those in need.” The Southern Oregon community has always been generous and compassionate, stepping up to support their neighbors in times of crisis. The Salvation Army is urging individuals, businesses, and organizations to consider making food donations to help bridge the gap. Non- perishable food items such as canned goods, pasta, rice, cereal, and shelf-stable proteins are desperately needed. To facilitate food donations, The Salvation Army has launched a food drive. Contact The Salvation Army within your local community to drop off food. Monetary donations are also welcome, as they enable The Salvation Army to purchase essential items in bulk and stretch every dollar to maximize impact. “We believe in the strength and compassion of our community,” added Major Randy “Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one goes hungry during these challenging times. Every contribution, no matter how small, can help feed a family in need.” The Salvation Army in both Grants Pass and Medford thanks the community in advance for their generosity and continued support. Captain Perry shares his hope for the

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Medford Food Pantry: 922 N. Central Ave. Medford OR 97501 Open Monday, Thursday and Friday 9am - 12pm & 1pm - 3pm

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October 2023 | The Business Review

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