Salvation Army appealing for food pantry donations.

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

LUDINGTON – As the slow economic recovery has not yet reached our most vulnerable and many people are still at-risk. The U.S. Census Bureau is now rating almost half of all Americans in the poor or low-income categories – many of them families with children. The Salvation Army nationwide is seeing heavy demand for food by families whose children suffer from chronic hunger.  Ludington is no exception as, more and more, expanding populations including the former middle-class, desperately need help.

“Times are so hard in some parts of Ludington that no matter how hard families work to make ends meet, it’s never quite enough,” said Captain Timothy McPherson. “Never quite enough to pay the electric bill, or this month’s rent, not even enough to put food on the table for

children who haven’t eaten all day. The little ones try to be brave, but that’s tough when they go to bed hungry most nights.”

McPherson is asking for contributions for the Salvation Army’s Family Food Drive. Donations may be made either on at the website, or send a check.

“A gift of $15 will feed an entire local family for a day; $30 for two days, and $45 will go even further to help our hungry families survive,” McPherson said.

“Right now, we need $4,000 to feed 500 people. With ordinary food items like potatoes, flour, bread and meat, we can make an extraordinary difference for children in need.”

The Salvation Army feeds 114 hungry people every minute in the U.S. Last year, the organization provided more than 59 million meals for hungry children and families.

To donate to The Salvation Army, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, 231-843-3711, mail your gifts to PO BOX 681, Ludington, MI 49431 or make a donation online at www.saludington.org.