Salvation Army in Martin County in dire need of canned meat donations

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. - The Salvation Army in Martin County is normally there for people in need, but now they're in need.

Martin County's Salvation Army's food pantry is missing one key item and needs your help to get it.

There are two rooms full of food at the center, but most of it is canned vegetables.

Lieutenant Scott Hoover with the Salvation Army says they need canned meat.

"Vegetables and fruits and things we have, but it's the meats that have been a real struggle," Lt. Hoover said.

The shelves are quite bare next to the Vienna sausages and other meats in the Salvation Army food pantry.

"Protein is essential for our bodies," Lt. Hoover said. "Without protein our bodies don't do as well, so that's something we try to do with all of our bags we fix for individuals and families."

Each year the non-profit normally gives out hundreds of thousands of pounds of food through their emergency food assistance program.

Lt. Hoover said last year was different than this year so far.

"It's been a little bit more difficult this year," he said.

The need has been greater for canned meats partly because of the opening of their compassion house for women.

More than a dozen women and children live at the Salvation Army as they try to get back on their feet.

"What an invaluable service that is for these ladies who find themselves displaced for one reason or another," Lt. Hoover added.

People down on their luck, looking for a hand up, he said.

Lt. Hoover said the only way the Salvation Army can give them that hand up this year is with help from the public.

He asks people to drop off canned foods or donations at the Salvation Army located at 821 SE Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard in Stuart. 

The building is right across from the Stuart Police Department.