In light of recent events — including troubles around Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and pay for federal workers — the City of Centralia is holding a food drive in partnership with The Salvation Army of Lewis County.
The City of Centralia will be accepting food donations at three locations — Centralia City Hall, the Customer Service Center and Centralia City Light — through Nov. 24.
All donations will go to support the Salvation Army food bank, which is also known as Hope Market.
City of Centralia Finance Director Bret Brodersen announced the food drive during the Centralia City Council meeting Wednesday evening.
“In light of the challenges that many in our city are facing, the city is going to be doing a food drive,” Brodersen said. “Those donations will be collected and distributed to The Salvation Army food bank here in town to support local community members.”
Centralia Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston said she has also been in contact with Captain Gin Pack with the local Salvation Army chapter and confirmed that the nonprofit is looking for additional food donations.
Smith Johnston added that she has heard rumors of small makeshift food pantries popping up in the community. Residents told her that those have been a big help.
“I reached out to Captain Pack at Salvation Army and she provided me with a list of needed items and confirmed that there is a high need right now,” Smith Johnston said.
“I know that some folks have been doing things on their own, converting little libraries to little pantries, and folks have been saying that that's made the difference for them to be able to have some food for their family.”
According to a flyer from the Lewis County Salvation Army, the food bank is in need of a range of canned and dried items. For canned items, the food bank is looking for meat, fruit, vegetables, soups and beans with a special preference for cans that have tops that can be removed without a can opener.
For dry items and preserves, The Salvation Army is looking for beans, rice, lentils, peanut butter, jelly, crackers, pasta noodles, macaroni and cheese, pasta sauce, boxed dinners, instant potatoes, granola bars, juice, ramen and tortillas.
