Salvation Army of Aiken Issues Call for Food Donations as Pantry Faces Shortage

The Salvation Army of Aiken has issued an urgent request. Shelves at its food pantry sit nearly empty. This marks the first shortage of this magnitude in years.

Each month, the pantry distributes groceries to over 200 individuals. Families and elderly residents throughout the region depend on these supplies. Officials report that requests have surged during recent weeks, with people arriving from Aiken County, Barnwell County, and Allendale County seeking help.

"We have seen time and again how generously our community responds when neighbors are in need," said Rina Powell, director of development for The Salvation Army of Aiken, per WRDW. "Our pantry needs that support now, and we hope our community will rally together to help put food on our neighbors' tables."

Workers are requesting non-perishable basics and smaller cuts of meat. Priority items include canned vegetables, canned tuna, canned chicken, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, and pasta sauce. Frozen meat in manageable portions would help, like ground beef, chicken, hot dogs, or venison.

People can bring food to 322 Gayle Avenue Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cash contributions can go through salvationarmyaiken.org or by mail to P.O. Box 439, Aiken, SC 29802.

Anyone giving money should write "Food Pantry" in the memo section. That way, every dollar goes straight toward restocking what's needed most.