Salina Rescue Mission
Salina Rescue Mission is calling on the community to come together in response to the potential loss or interruption of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Thousands of local families and individuals rely on SNAP to put food on the table, and any disruption could leave many facing hunger.
With food insecurity already a serious challenge in Saline County, the Mission expects a significant increase in demand for meals and emergency food services if SNAP support is reduced or paused.
“When families lose SNAP, they often turn to us as their next line of support,” said Chad Young, Executive Pastor of Salina Rescue Mission. “We are preparing to serve more meals than ever, but we cannot do it alone. This year we have served over 70,000 meals thanks to the community’s support. With SNAP looking like it is going to be put on hold for an unknown length of time, it calls our community to help those that will be filling the gap.”
The Mission is Responding The Mission has already had a very busy year. “Last year we averaged serving 75 men per night, this year we have averaged serving 86 men per night, and currently we have 95 men that we are assisting to regain stability and work towards self-sufficiency,” according to Young.
Aside from the shelter and recovery services the Mission offers to men 18 years of age and up, they also provide showers for both unsheltered men and women along with clean clothes.
The Mission’s Food Service Program is its most widely used service. It is open to anyone in the community in need of a hot nutritious meal. These meals are free for those in need because of the generous support of our community.
Food drives such as Project Salina and the Dr. Temple Food Drive (coming up November 21st - 22nd at all three Dillon’s locations) are significant contributors.
The Salina Rescue Mission’s feeding program is the only one of its kind in our area, serving 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Their kitchen never closes so that no one in our community has to go hungry.
“Those who are on fixed incomes that are disabled and/or elderly are the most vulnerable,” says Young. “We have a great caring community and some great agencies like the Emergency Aid Foodbank, programs like Meals on Wheels, and others. It takes us all doing our part to help meet this huge need.”
The Mission is asking local residents, businesses, churches, and civic groups to take action now.
Make a secure online gift at www.salinarescuemission.com or mail donations to: Salina Rescue Mission PO Box 1667 Salina, KS 67402-1667
Volunteer: Sign up on the Mission website SalinaRescueMission.com to help prepare and serve meals or collect food donations.
Every dollar helps provide hot, nutritious meals for neighbors in need. Together, we can make sure no one in Saline County goes hungry.