OGDEN -- Two church-centered food banks are asking the community to literally step up to the plates of Northern Utah's hungry.
Both the C.L.U.B.B. Jesus and the Salvation Army food banks are suffering for lack of food to hand out and they are asking the community to show them God's hand in helping them through this crisis.
The emergency came about this summer when the Utah Food Bank sustained setbacks that took away its ability to supply as much free foodstuffs as in the past to food banks throughout the state.
"We are bare-bones," said Lt. Peter Pemberton of the Ogden Salvation Army. "We're still able to run with the Market Place with bread and pastries and things like that but when it comes to non-perishables, we are just so depleted."
He said without help from surrounding residents, he doesn't know how his agency will be able to feed those in need in the immediate future.
"We're having it bad," he said. "We've had to shut down a few distribution days."
Organizers from C.L.U.B.B. Jesus have a similar situation.
"We are currently a drop-off site for the Utah Food Bank, but due to a shortage of food we are not receiving the necessary amount we usually distribute each week," wrote Angela Beatty, C.L.U.B.B. Jesus secretary in an email to the Standard-Examiner.
"We are asking for your HELP in donating any dry or non-perishable food such as canned goods to help us continue to meet the needs of those less fortunate," she wrote. "Any donations would be greatly appreciated. May God bless you!!!"
C.L.U.B.B. Jesus is at 3333 Grant Ave. The church is run by volunteers so it's best to make an appointment for dropping off food by calling Beatty at 801-940-1064.
Donations also are accepted during food distribution at the church between 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays.
Pemberton said he is willing to work with groups which are interested in helping the Salvation Army out of its dilemma in any way he can.
"We would certainly support any food drive that people wanted to do for us, any food drive at all," Pemberton said. "We'd make sure if they wanted to deliver on a Saturday, even though we are closed, we'd have people to sort."
During regular business hours, Pemberton said any individuals donating food could go to the family services area in the main Salvation Army building at 2635 Grant Ave., Ogden.
For additional information or appointments, call the Salvation Army at 801-621-3580.
Comments