saconnects, Volume 9, Number 2, 2023

Fighting food insecurity and hunger

Love Be yond Surging Prices

Food pantries . Warm meals. Sack lunches.

e goal of the Salvation Army’s Love Beyond campaign is to increase public awareness of our year–round services. We love beyond hunger, homelessness, destruction, fear, loss, addiction, loneliness, despair, overdue bills and so much more. We love beyond the circumstances of those we serve, seeing and valuing each person.

HTTPS://EASTERNUSA.SALVATIONARMY.ORG

CONTENTS

WHO WE ARE Programs

Discover why The Salvation Army canteen ministry is about more than just food. Plus: Bible verses to guide you as you feed the community.

page 6

People

Alex Rodman helps future pastors of The Salvation Army keep their bodies and spirits healthy.

page 7

History

To address poverty and overcrowding in 1890, William Booth created “Farm Colonies.” Did they succeed?

page 10

Faith in Action

The Springfield, Ohio, Salvation Army finds camp counselors for disabled children in an unlikely place; its Taekwondo program.

page 12

RECOVERY

Thrift Store Finds

Kitchen tools make cooking easier. Take a look at these utensils that are available now at your local Salvation Army thrift store!

page 21

Food for the fight

Ismael Correa and Douglas Burr had very different health journeys, but they both found that eating right and staying fit was an important aspect of being Salvation Army officers.

page 22

LIVING

Our

World

Food banks are key to meeting the needs of many people in the world. Learn how The Salvation Army is going a step further to also empower them for the future.

page 27

Spiritual Life Development

Get advice on how to build your body and soul through appreciating how important both are to your life.

page 28

Health

The Teaching Kitchen in Harrisburg, Pa., welcomes anyone who is interested in making healthier eating choices.

page 30

VOLUNTEER

Vipal, Chris, and Sheila

Three parents from Dayton, Ohio, brought soccer to the Salvation Army Kroc Center.

page 32

The Salvation Army helps people affected by soaring food prices, food deserts, and overall food insecurity.

page 14

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Brian Peddle

TERRITORIAL LEADERS

Commissioner William A. Bamford III

Commissioner G. Lorraine Bamford

CHIEF SECRETARY Colonel Ivan K. Rock DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Joseph Pritchard

EDITOR IN CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATIONS

Warren L. Maye

MANAGING EDITOR Robert Mitchell

EDITOR / HISPANIC CORRESPONDENT

Hugo Bravo

ART DIRECTOR Reginald Raines

PUBLICATION CONTENT

MANAGER AND DESIGNER

Lea La Notte Greene

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Dave Hulteen Jr., Keri Johnson, Joe Marino, Mabel Zorzano

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Lu Lu Rivera

CIRCULATION Doris Marasigan

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

What’s for dinner?

WARREN L. MAYE Editor in Chief

In the summer of 1981, I was on the other side of the world and seriously contemplating where my next meal would come from.

I had walked into a rather large grocery store, anticipating that I would spend the next 30 minutes or so, buying some eggs, bacon, milk, bread, butter, and jelly to put in the fridge of my bungalow. For snacks, I had in mind a few bags of chips, and a bottle of soda.

After having endured a long transatlantic flight, I was also hungry for a hot dinner. Deep in my belly, that sensation increased the more I thought about food. I had plenty of cash and some credit cards, and even found myself imagining the aroma of a delicious steak.

However, when I visited the aisles, I saw little on the shelves; most were empty. I was baffled. I soon learned that the city of Accra, Ghana in West Africa, where my plane had landed a few hours earlier, and indeed most of the Eastern Region of that country, had become a “food desert.” Distribution channels were restricted and the nation itself was literally on the brink of a coup d’état.

I had arrived there with a small mission team to spread the gospel of Christ, but in the coming weeks, I also embraced essential lessons on how to eat less and pray more and how to grow in faith while tightening my belt. At each meal, and with an attitude of gratitude for the wonderful Ghanaians who so lovingly hosted us, I finished every morsel on my plate—no leftovers.

Today, Ghana’s GDP is growing, as it develops a dynamic and diversified economy. However, in the United States, a different kind of food desert occurs where there are tracts of at least 100 households located more than one–half mile from the nearest supermarket and have no vehicle access to it.* In those neighborhoods, only drive–thru restaurants and convenience stores exist where it is easy for children and adults to develop malnutrition and obesity at the same time.

In this issue of SACONNECTS, our writers have prepared stories that reveal how The Salvation Army is responding to food insecurity in such communities. Read on to also discover how you can eat wholesome foods, exercise regularly, and stay well.

*United States Department of Agriculture

WHO WE ARE

The New York Staff Band (NYSB) represents the finest in Christian brass band performance. The band’s corporate attitude is not “professional” in the modern sense. Rather, while truly outstanding in performance, their approach is that of the “amateur” in its original sense—one who loves the pursuit of art, rather than simply doing a job. It is worth emphasizing here that, throughout its illustrious career, the NYSB continues to be a fully volunteer musical organization. Members give freely of their time and effort while in the band, all in addition to their regular “day jobs.”

Commissioner William A. Bamford III, territortial commander, demonstrates

The Salvation Army salute

Salvationists use the salute to signify their commitment to God and to saving others. The gesture signifies recognition of a fellow citizen of heaven, and a pledge to do everything possible to get others there too. It also signifies that Salvationists give Glory to God rather

The first Salvation Army flag was presented in 1878

Until 1882, the central shape was a sun, but when a plan to open the Army’s work in India was put into action, it was found that the Parsees, an Indian religious sect, regarded the sun as sacred. So, it was changed to a star. The flag itself is not sacred but is a symbol of what Salvationists believe.

From salarmycentral.org, “History of The Salvation Army Early Beginnings,” (2018)

DONOR CORNER

Robert Falzon, vice chair of Prudential, and his wife Nancye are passionate and committed supporters of The Salvation Army (TSA). They have given their time, talent, and financial resources to help further the Army’s work in Newark, N.J. As chair of TSA Newark Advisory Board, Rob has inspired many fundraising initiatives and helped the N.J. Division through the replication of his efforts at corps across the state. Now, he is poised to take on the most ambitious assignment of his tenure: chairing a campaign to significantly expand youth and human services in Newark. Falzon’s commitment to the Army and the people it serves began while driving through Newark on his way home from work one evening. As he peered through the window, Rob considered how he could help the children and families he saw facing significant obstacles.

• Blue border represents the HOLINESS of God.

• Red represents the BLOOD of Jesus Christ.

• Yellow star represents the FIRE of the Holy Spirit.

• The motto “Blood and Fire,” stands for the blood of Jesus and the fire of the Holy Spirit

“Everything that the Falzons have done for The Salvation Army has been with a singular focus: to make every life they touch better,” says Rowena Saunders, senior director of donor relations in New Jersey.

Salvation Army churches are home to food pantries for the community. Families can pick up fresh produce, frozen items, canned goods, and toiletries. Some pantries even have pet food for dogs or cats.

To find a Salvation Army food pantry near you, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/cure-hunger

The NYSB performs an annual Christmas concert in December 2022.

More than a meal

by HUGO BRAVO

Mary Flinton remembers feeling afraid to leave the house during the pandemic, even to go food shopping. But she says that despite COVID–19, she was never afraid to go into her community to feed people who were homeless.

even when we’re not in soldier uniform.”

Bible verses to guide you as you feed the community:

Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

—Hebrews 13:16

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

—Romans 12:13

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. —Proverbs 11:25

Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same. —Luke 3:11

What good is it if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

In the same way, faith by itself if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

—James 2:14–17

“That makes no sense when I think about it, but this ministry is about so much more than just giving away food,” says Flinton. She and her husband Bruce have been members at the Salvation Army’s church in Plainfield, N.J., for ten years. During that time, their canteen ministry has become a symbol of the Army’s presence in the central New Jersey town.

Salvation Army canteens are mobile feeding units used to serve food to people in need, as well as to local first responders. The canteen is stocked with snacks, fruit, water, coffee, and even hot meals that include steak and potato soup.

“The corps hosts their soup kitchen Monday through Thursday. We didn’t want the people who come to us for food to go three days without being served,” says Bruce. “So, we take the canteen out on the weekend to serve them where they are.” That includes in front of the local library, under bridges, or anywhere else where homeless people in Plainfield congregate. They are familiar with the Flintons and are always happy to chat with them as they eat.

“Some folks may just take the food and go, but others want to talk, pray, and learn about the services that the Army can offer them besides this canteen,” says Mary. “So many of the people living in the streets are smart, kind, and much godlier than we imagine. They rely on God for everything in their lives.

“I used to be nervous about going up to people I didn’t know. But now, when I’m walking down the street, the people who we feed will stop to say hello,” says Mary. “They recognize Bruce and me,

The Flintons have also taken the canteen on different assignments, such as to feed the young performers at the Salvation Army’s Star Search talent showcase in New Jersey. During Hurricane Sandy in 2012, while all of Plainfield had lost power, corps leaders sent the canteen to local buildings that did not have enough generators to power food services for senior residents.

“We served hundreds of people, even though we had to drive to get our own generators first to avoid losing any of the food we had,” says Bruce.

When the soup kitchen closed during COVID–19, the canteen helped keep residents fed; it was the easiest way to do so while maintaining social distance. Mary and Bruce delivered food directly to people’s porches and served them from the canteen the traditional way, while taking necessary precautions.

“Even with lines and dividers, it took a long time for the homeless to realize that they couldn’t be in bunches and wait close to each other during a pandemic,” says Bruce.

One of their most memorable moments in the community happened after a local fire. The canteen was called to feed the first responders on the scene, but canteen workers soon saw that the firefighters there needed a different type of support.

“The funeral of the department’s fire captain was taking place at that moment,” said Mary. “He had passed away a few days earlier. The fire fighters were all supposed to be mourning their fallen leader, but they had been called to serve. After they finished, we prayed with them and listened to them talk about the beloved captain they had lost.”

That day, one ministry led to another, and a typical canteen meal also became an opportunity to nourish hurting souls.

Training for wellness

Interview by HUGO BRAVO

Alex Rodman, a health and wellness specialist at The Salvation Army College for Officer Training (CFOT) in Suffern, N.Y., talks about the importance of discipline in setting goals, choosing sobriety, and what God revealed to him while working at CFOT.

CFOT administration was looking for someone to help the cadets exercise more, eat healthier, and become physically fit to handle the duties of being pastors. It is an honor for me to be the first person to take on this role as health and wellness specialist. I grew up only half a mile away from CFOT. I saw the school bus stop there to pick up students, who I now realize were the cadets’ children. Back then, I didn’t even know what this campus was about, or that the cadets were learning to be church leaders.

I’ve had problems with addiction through most of my life. Even though I didn’t grow up in religion, part of me always felt that I was disappointing God when I used drugs and alcohol. He wasn’t going to let me live up to my potential until I stopped using. When I finally decided to be clean, it was amazing how everything that I had hoped for came into my life. My body felt better, and my mind became clearer. I found work at CFOT, moved out of my parents’ home, and became independent for the first time in my life. I did devotionals every morning and joined The Salvation Army in Spring Valley, N.Y. It was the next step in developing my relationship with God.

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well–balanced mind and discipline and self–control ( 2 Timothy 1:7 AMPC) That verse captures what I see as true wellness, externally and internally. Discipline and self–control are key to living a healthy lifestyle.

The first two months of my role exceeded all expectations. I did workouts, met grateful cadets, and conducted packed, enthusiastic fitness classes. But because of COVID–19, my job changed. For many months, I worked outside in the afternoon and taught smaller, socially distanced fitness classes. I also became the “gym watcher.” It was a New York mandate that someone had to always be in any open gymnasium to supervise anyone who wanted to work out there. Actually, it was mostly just me during COVID. But through that time, I was grateful to have a job. Though my responsibilities had changed, The Salvation Army still saw my role to keep the cadets healthy as essential work.

Since I joined my first gym at 15, I knew that helping people get in shape would always be a part of my life. I got my bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science, and for years, I was a personal trainer. When I saw an ad to work for The Salvation Army, I felt as if God was saying to me, “Look! It’s not just nutrition, fitness, wellness or sports. It’s a combination of everything you know—mind, body, and spirit.” Now, I meet new people every year who want to serve God, and I’m part of their process. Over the course of my career, I want to impact so many lives that I’ll never see the full reach of the work I do.

Hungry no more

People line up outside

The Salvation Army

Brooklyn Sunset Park Corps Community Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., during lunchtime. The center’s soup kitchen opens at noon Tuesday to Thursday and serves hot meals to 70–90 people a day. A food pantry is available by appointment Tuesday to Friday and serves 30–35 families. Lieutenant Katia Espejo calls it “the heart of the corps.” The soup kitchen serves mostly Asian and Latino clients, including recent refugees from Venezuela. “There are a lot of people in need,” Espejo said. “It makes people happy and it means a lot to them to have these meals.” In the United States alone, The Salvation Army helped 31 million people and provided 225 million meals last year.

Austin Wideman/The Salvation

the farm colonies

Giving hope for the urban poor

by ROB JEFFERY

The year 1890 was a milestone in the history of The Salvation Army. It was, as Charles Dickens might say, “the best of times and the worst of times.” The worst of times as The Salvation Army was mourning the loss of its mother—Catherine Booth who was “promoted to Glory” after a long battle with breast cancer; and the best of times as The Salvation Army launched a new book that hit the publishing world by storm. In Darkest England and The Way Out, written by William Booth, revealed Booth’s plan for salvation in any season.

In reformist circles, the book was both hailed as a success and soundly criticized. Some viewed it as an amazing blueprint that would solve all the ills of society while others saw it as overly simplistic and unfeasible. Among one of the many ideas Booth floated to address

poverty and overcrowding in cities was the creation of work farms in the countryside, or as he called them, “Farm Colonies.”

The Booths came of age in a time of history known as the Industrial Revolution when new technologies radically changed the manufacturing industry. Things that were once produced on a small scale, or by hand, could now be made in factories at much higher levels of production. The rise of the factory workplace required an almost endless supply of workers. Seeking new opportunities to better their lives, men and women from rural Britain poured into cities such as London and Manchester to take up jobs in these factories.

In some cases, entire families moved into the cities which were

The Salvation Army National Archives (2)

already suffering from overcrowding and a lack of affordable housing—only to find themselves in the worst economically depressed neighborhoods, then called slums. Other families remained in the country, while one parent (usually the father) moved into the city, to support his rural family from afar. In either case, family life was severely upended by the Industrial Revolution.

It could be argued that an increase in alcoholism, human trafficking, and crime in the city, were the unintended outcomes of this change to the way people lived and worked. For the first time in England’s history, many people who now lived far away from their home parishes, cut ties to the Church, forever turning their backs on their religious upbringing. This was the East End of London—with its gin shops and opium dens—where William and Catherine Booth found themselves in ministry.

Since the negative aspects of city life were viewed as the reason for people’s fall into ruin, the country was viewed by reformers as a potential solution. Or in other words, if humans were degraded by the conditions of the urban slum, perhaps they could find their redemption in the idyllic fields of the countryside. Where cities needed rural farms more than ever to feed growing populations, the idea of the farm colony easily took shape.

How did the farm colonies work? Laying out his plan in Darkest England , William Booth wrote:

“My present idea is to take an estate from five hundred to a thousand acres within reasonable distance of London. It should be of such land on it for brickmaking and for crops requiring a heavier soil. If possible, it should not only be on a line of railway … but should have access to the sea and to the river.”

Booth imagined a workable farm staffed by men from the city, who had their roots in the country, and could thereby make an honest living in working the land. The best

example of the Founder’s plan was realized in the Hadleigh Farm Estate, a Salvation Army run farm colony created in 1891 in South–East Essex on 900 acres of land. Hadleigh Farm is still in operation today – a commercial farm where people learn valuable skills around land management and animal husbandry.

In the United States, the idea of the farm colony took root in 1897 when 350 acres of farmland near Seattle, Washington, was gifted to The Salvation Army. Commissioner Frederick and Emma Booth—Tucker, the national leaders, seized upon the idea that

Fort Amity, Colorado; and the third in Fort Herrick, Ohio. Clark Spence, who wrote extensively about the farm colonies in his book, The Salvation Army Farm Colonies (The University of Arizona Press, 1985), noted that, in total, the three settlements included 1,400 acres of land occupied by 160 colonists.

Unfortunately, the farm colonies were not the financial success they were hoped to be. To pay the mortgage on the land, The Salvation Army required the colony farmers to give them a rent from their produce, however modest it might be. However, this seldom happened as many tenants proved not to be successful farmers. Some simply abandoned their plot, which required the Army to find new tenants.

However well intentioned, the farm colony enterprise had proved to be a costly boondoggle, though there are instances of many individuals who achieved some success and betterment of their lives. Fort Romie, the last colony and the most successful of the three, ceased operations in 1910 when the remaining families paid off their loans to the Army and became owners of their land. This must surely be considered a success!

maybe this land could be used to lift men and women from the cities out of poverty, enabling them to make a living. The Salvation Army would charge a reasonable rent to the tenant–farmers to make it a self–supporting enterprise.

In the Booth–Tucker’s plan, a single family would work a 5–acre plot of land in a farm colony between 100 and 1,000 acres. Frederick Booth Tucker, who dreamed big, later envisioned farm colonies of up to 100,000 acres all over the U.S. Some initial fundraising was required to purchase the land, but the Army had great support from various people of means who saw the value in the farm colony plan.

In total, The Salvation Army operated three farm colonies in the U.S.; the first in Fort Romie, California; the second in

Although The Salvation Army never again attempted farming on a large scale, recent years have seen the rise of the community garden, where people in cities grow fruit and vegetables on small plots of land, with the proceeds going to support their family or the local Salvation Army foodbank. In both large cities and small towns, the Army continues to acknowledge the growing food insecurity that affects many American families. In doing so, the importance of providing good, healthy, and locally grown food, while enabling people to produce food for themselves is recognized, which was at the heart of William Booth’s farm colony idea.

Rob Jeffery is Director of the Heritage Museum at The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters in West Nyack, N.Y.

A farmer plows a field at the Fort Amity, Colo., farm colony (circa 1900).

Black Belts & Open Hearts

by HUGO BRAVO

The Mudokwan Martial Arts program at The Salvation Army in Springfield, Ohio, turns students into Taekwondo black belts, volunteers, and more.

In 1988, The Salvation Army in Springfield, Ohio opened a summer day camp exclusively for children with disabilities. It became one of its most popular ministries, and gave children access to summer activities that they may not have been able to enjoy in the past, such as miniature golf, sports, hiking, and talent shows.

Ten years later, another ministry, Mudokwan Martial Arts, debuted there. The church leaders wanted a program where at–risk youth in the community could focus their energy on something positive. They used the gym for a dojang: a training hall, to teach Taekwondo. The program’s teachers also took a cue from the summer day camp by welcoming children with disabilities to their classes and training them as well.

Along with creating black belts, the

program has transformed students into counselors and volunteers who now work at the summer day camp. Tarole Lloyd, who works at the camp and as a volunteer teacher in the Mudokwan Martial Arts program, says, “When we saw how the students interacted with special needs children in Taekwondo, we had a good idea of how they would interact with kids in a camp setting. They have tolerance, patience, and know how to face the challenges of overseeing children. Once they understand that, they treat the children like they would any other child.”

Respect given; respect earned “Anyone can teach or learn how to throw a punch or do a block,” says Rick Lloyd, Tarole’s husband and the Taekwondo instructor. “That’s not what makes our

program at The Salvation Army special. While we’re helping students earn their black belts, we’re also teaching them leadership, patience, and compassion.

“When you walk into the dojang, everyone is wearing the same dobok or uniform,” says Rick. “Any socioeconomic differences are kept out. You can be a white, green or orange belt. You can be male, female, short or tall, big or small. But all are wearing the same clothes as everyone else.”

As a rule, if someone outranks you by belt in the dojang, you must call them “sir” or “ma’am.” But in practice, Rick says that everyone calls everyone else “sir” or “ma’am.”

“That has really worked for us here, and even better, it translates outside of the class as well. I can’t tell you how many times our students have said that they’ve been asked if they or their parents were ever in the

military. People notice that courtesy and respect,” says Rick proudly. “Being trained in martial arts develops character. It has helped make me into the person I am today.”

Rick says that sometimes grading is done on a curve to accommodate the abilities of every student. However, every student is given the same expectations to participate, take on leadership roles, and even attend Taekwondo tournaments. “We want everyone to see all our children as normal kids,” says Rick.

Leaders of the pack

“It’s mutually beneficial to have kids as leaders in both the camp and the dojang,” says Tarole. “The older kids learn that children with special needs are just like them; they just need a little more support. Sometimes a child with special needs can be treated very differently or worse, set aside. Our goal is to have those kids feel elevated, not different.”

The Lloyds’ daughter, Catherine, has been taking Taekwondo for 18 years. She says that seeing other children learn martial arts or a camp activity brightens her day.

“I’ve grown up with the families who come here,” says Catherine. “When the students learn that there is a camp for the kids that they’re helping learn martial arts, they’re immediately curious and want to know how they can help. Some even have siblings who attend the camp.”

“We’ve had students in Taekwondo with Down syndrome, autism, or who needed prosthetics to move. But the uniform made us all equal,” says Nathaniel, a 21–year–old black belt. “As in any sport, you build relationships with people by your side. You train with them, you compete against them, and they become family.”

“When I started volunteering at the camp, I had never been around that many kids at once, but I loved it, because I had worked with them in Taekwondo,” he says.

“I already knew that they weren’t all that different than I was at that age. They may think or act slightly different, but they’re still normal children. They want to run, laugh, and tell us jokes. When they fall or have an accident, they will cry, be consoled, and go back to having fun.”

Trust in the process

Danielle, a mom from the Springfield community who has fostered several children with special needs, remembers when she was looking for a martial arts program for her 6–year–old son, who is now 24.

“Everywhere I went, I saw that the instructors were either incredibly strict or very uncontrolled and let the children do whatever they wanted,” she remembers. “But here, the teachers are focused, and the kids always show respect, even the youngest ones.”

Danielle put her son and two of her daughters in the program. Through the years, she has had over a dozen of her children take part in Taekwondo, summer camp, or both. “Having someone who you can trust to protect your children is important, especially for a parent of a child with disabilities,” says Danielle. “Our biggest worry is that our special needs kids can’t always speak for themselves, so they can’t tell you if they’re being mistreated or hurt in any way.

“The leadership in both programs don’t just care about kids like mine. They are building up other young people to be leaders and care for them too. Here, I know that my kids will be safe.”

The rock of the ministry

Rick says that the secret to running two successful ministries that welcome children with disabilities is Tarole herself. He calls his wife “the rock” of both programs.

“Tarole and I met here at The Salvation Army, and she immediately picked up that I wasn’t as good with kids as she was. I was used to teaching Taekwondo to adults and older teenagers, and now I had 45 young white belts running around. It was a learning experience for me, and I only learned because of her,” says Rick.

“Mrs. Lloyd has never turned a child away here, no matter how rambunctious on the first day,” says Nathaniel. “Her heart is always open for us, even outside of the dojang. She knows how we’re doing in school. She wants the maturity we’re developing here to be applied in our own lives.”

“The Salvation Army knows that it’s difficult to talk to a person about the love of Christ if that person is hungry, so it’s best to meet that need first. In the same way, a child can’t learn if he can’t be still, disciplined, or has anger in his heart,” says Tarole. “That’s where the martial arts come in. It opens their hearts, focuses on their behavior, and shows them that they’re loved, and just as good as everyone else in here.”

Security for the

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat ...” hungry

—Matthew 25:35

by ROBERT MITCHELL

A light snow falls as seniors in Kingston, N.Y., struggle to pull their personal shopping carts along a small road, leading to a Hannaford supermarket. They have come from another part of the city, a 3–mile round trip, in search of healthy food.

Many people in Kingston are experiencing food insecurity while living in a mini “food desert,” an urban area where it is difficult to buy affordable, healthy, and fresh food. The problem affects many urban areas and, in recent years, has drawn national media attention.

Most of the city’s poor live in Midtown Kingston, which is home to only a few bodegas, small ethnic grocery stores, and convenience marts. The food choices are often limited and more expensive than at a supermarket. If people want fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy options, they often must walk, take a bus, or a car service to supermarkets that are miles away.

An ‘oasis’

“For those who aren’t able to get to the grocery store, places such as The Salvation Army and a few other pantries in town are great stop–bys,” says Captain Erik Muhs, a Salvation Army officer in Kingston. “We see the same people every week, and new people are finding out about us. I would say food insecurity is an issue, and it is growing with the immigrant population, which is slowly moving up from New York City to the Mid–Hudson area.”

Jennifer DeVoll, a recent visitor to The Salvation Army soup kitchen in Kingston, exemplifies the problem. She can’t drive because she recently lost an eye. A single parent with three children (13, and 11–year–old twins), she sometimes takes a taxi to

Soup kitchens and food pantries are serving more community members than in recent times.

Austin Wideman/The Salvation Army Greater New York

the supermarket, but it’s a $14 round trip and that cuts into her food budget, which doesn’t stretch as far as it once did.

DeVoll said the neighborhood now has a small Hispanic market, but options are limited and generally more expensive. Meanwhile, The Salvation Army offers fresh fruits, vegetables, salads, meats, pastries, breads, and a wide array of canned foods. She tries to find food that will stretch until she can get back to the soup kitchen.

“This place is great because you can come here every single day and get fresh vegetables, bread, snacks for the kids, lunch meat, and all types of stuff,” DeVoll said. “During these tough times, if it wasn’t for places like this, I don’t know where I’d be. It’s crazy right now.”

To keep the internet connected so her kids can do their schoolwork, DeVoll makes minimum payments on her other bills. She suffers from anxiety, depression, and PTSD from childhood trauma, so knowing The Salvation Army is just around the corner when she needs food gives her peace.

“It’s a godsend, and I’m right in the neighborhood,” she said. “It’s the neighborhood go–to for a lot of people who are struggling right now.”

A godsend

The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food insecurity as “a lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life.” Groups most likely to face this challenge tend to be seniors, children, and people living in poor urban and rural communities. Nearly 40 million Americans (including 12 million children) were food insecure in 2020, according to the non–profit Feeding America.

Dalia Calixto, who comes to the soup kitchen in Kingston three or four times a week to help feed a family of 12, grabbed as many vegetables as she could during a recent visit.

“The prices are too high at the grocery store,” she said.

Dawn, a cancer survivor, said the price of food in the grocery store is a hardship if you’re trying to eat healthy. She also walked away with an assortment of fruits and vegetables.

“It’s a lifesaver,” Dawn said. “It really is. I work, but I can’t afford to buy fresh vegetables and fruit in our society. It’s sad. It’s very expensive, so what I get from The Salvation Army keeps me going and keeps me healthy. This is an important place and it’s much appreciated.”

Muhs said The Salvation Army has a partnership with Hannaford, which provides

N.Y., after two grocery stores closed on the city’s north side in the last five years. He calls food insecurity “one of the largest problems in our area.”

“It is difficult for them to get to a major grocery store,” Hansen said. “They’ve had nothing but fast food and convenience food in that area. With the pandemic and inflation, it’s just gotten that much harder. A lot of people around here are either unemployed or underemployed, so they need the food from our food pantry and soup kitchen to just get by.

“We have lots of social services here, but they mainly deal with homelessness and rent and utility assistance. We’ve decided to focus on food insecurity.”

An opportunity to share the gospel

The Salvation Army’s soup kitchen is the only one in the city open seven days a week and serves 50,000 meals a year at breakfast and dinner. The corps also offers a food pantry Monday through Friday.

“I believe it’s one of the ministries that keep us moving and relevant in Binghamton,” Hansen said. “It is our most supported ministry from donors and other agencies.

“When you’re hungry, you don’t have hope. When you don’t have hope, everything seems bad. We’re just glad to give them a small sliver of hope that things will be OK.”

produce, bread, pastries, and deli items, that are nearing expiration. Other food comes from the Regional Food Bank and local farmers. The soup kitchen served 746 children, 476 adults, and 240 seniors in one month in 2022, while the food pantry served about 200.

“Some of these people are homeless, and it just feels good to give back and give people hot meals and make sure they eat,” says Tyrone Cobb, social services director for The Salvation Army in Kingston. “It’s rough out there right now. Some people are not working. They need help and we’re here to help. We do a lot here. It’s a big help for the people.

“It makes me feel good that somebody is able to get a hot meal, and able to take some food home, and they won’t go hungry for the next week.”

Salvation Army Captain Joseph Hansen said the situation is similar in Binghamton,

Salvation Army Major Jonathan Jackson, currently stationed in Newark, N.J., said the city is divided politically into five wards and people generally stay where they live. However, in a possible solution to the food desert dilemma, Newark Area Services is centrally located and the food pantry there serves a couple hundred people a month from all over the city.

Jackson said the major reason for food insecurity in Newark is that the average family makes about $28,000. “It’s pretty tight here for people in this city,” he said.

Newark is fortunate to have a plethora of non–profits and Jackson said desperate people sometimes visit them all.

“They’re going to multiple agencies, often on the same day, to get food to get them through for a while,” he said.

Several other Salvation Army officials

The money is just not stretching nearly as far as it used to, so people are depending more on us for food. They are so grateful that we have a meal for them.”

—MAJOR PAM ARMOUR, PEEKSKILL, N.Y.

photos courtesy of Meghan Zook

(Above) a volunteer helps at a Salvation Army choice food pantry in Harrisburg, Pa., where clients get to pick their own food in a grocery–style setting.

(Left) a volunteer prepares a meal at the Sunset Park Salvation Army in Brooklyn, N.Y. The church serves homeless people every day for lunch.

Inflation for major U.S. food categories

January to July 2021 and 2022

agreed that the economy is a major issue driving food insecurity, citing inflation, and rising costs.

“We really can feel that people are just not doing as well,” said Major Pam Armour, a Salvation Army officer in Peekskill, N.Y. “The money is just not stretching nearly as far as it used to, so people are depending more on us for food. They are so grateful that we have a meal for them for lunch.

“We’re seeing people who wouldn’t necessarily take advantage of a free lunch before, but many people are making it a must–stop during the day.”

Armour said the soup kitchen once saw 30–40 people a day, but in the last several months those numbers have increased to 90–110 families. A similar number come to the food bank and for a once–a–month produce giveaway.

The encounters have opened doors to share the gospel. Armour said her husband,

Major Rickie Armour, loves interacting with the people and inviting them to the corps. Two homeless men recently came to the men’s club.

“He is out on that line quite a bit evangelizing, meeting with people, and sharing the word of God and love of God,” she said. “We’ve had people show up for church because they came to soup kitchen.”

Helping people survive

Lieutenant Marlon Rodriguez, a Salvation Army officer in Lebanon, Pa., said he has seen a major influx of people to the cityfrom Puerto Rico in the past four years. He stopped by The Salvation Army during a recent Second Harvest food distribution to find the parking lot’s 80 spots full.

“The line to get the Second Harvest products reached at least a block long,” he said. “People were coming in, picking up groceries, and 95 percent were Hispanics.”

The Second Harvest grocery program is held twice a month and about 1,500 families show up each time to get enough food for a family of four to last a month, Rodriguez said.

His wife, Lieutenant Ivonne Rodriguez, said rising grocery store prices that are pinching low–income families is the main reason for food insecurity.

“I’ve spoken to many clients who come to the corps. It’s just the cost of the food. When they go to the supermarket, it is very expensive and they don’t have it,” she said. They also must pay rent, utilities, childcare, and other costs.

“They have big families and sometimes it’s not having enough [money] coming in. There is more going out and not enough coming in,” she said.

Lieutenant Ivonne said she gets emergency calls every day from people who need food. Many are not receiving

“People are deciding whether they’re going to pay their rent or buy their groceries or turn on their heat.

—MAJOR PAM RHODES CANANDAIGUA, N.Y.

Source: USDA, Economic Research Service using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index data.

government assistance.

“We get many calls for emergency food, and they are thankful that we are there,” she said. “Many of them say, ‘You don’t know how much this helps.’ They are grateful. Even though they are working class, they are just not making enough to get by.”

The food pantry at The Salvation Army in Lebanon is open every day and the corps also delivers 300 food boxes a month to seniors through a partnership with DoorDash.

“There’s always food for those in need,” she said.

Many communities continue to struggle after three years of the COVID–19 pandemic. Major Giselle Acosta, a Salvation Army officer in Pawtucket, R.I., said the pandemic “disrupted every level of people’s livelihoods and many are still sorting out what their future will look like.” The Salvation Army is there to help. The food pantry has more than 500 families registered.

“They are able to participate every other week, as opposed to once a month, before the pandemic hit,” she said.

Remnants of COVID–19

The Salvation Army in Harrisburg, Pa., has had a food pantry for years, but a new building and pantry opened in September 2019 and was quickly overwhelmed.

“Our food pantry exploded overnight,” said Meghan Zook, the community health and nutrition administrator for The Salvation Army in Harrisburg. “We went from only being open a couple days a week to increasing our hours of operation. We had evening opportunities for people to come and get food, we had weekend opportunities, and we added appointments for every single day.

“I thought to myself that we would have the ability to go back to what we were doing before COVID, but we really haven’t decreased our hours of operation. We’re still seeing the long–term effects of COVID. We’re still just so busy and I think our area really struggles with food insecurity.”

Zook said The Salvation Army is serving about 503 households and 2,000 individuals a month. “It’s not just because of COVID,” she

said. “People are just hurting for cash. The rents are high, and many people have had to move. They put their money toward food and then they can’t pay for rent. People really found out about our pantry during COVID, and they gained trust in us, and a good relationship was formed with the community.”

In the summer, church members grow produce, which is always available in the food pantry.

“We know that fruits and vegetables are more expensive,” Zook said. “We want people to take as much as they can from the produce coolers. We encourage that.”

Providing fresh produce for people wanting to live a healthy lifestyle has helped The Salvation Army fight the insecurity issue. Major Karen Bender said The Salvation Army in Mansfield, Ohio, receives produce, frozen foods, and meats from Kroger and Kentucky Fried Chicken, as well as from small businesses.

“We have so much food available for people,” she said. “We have farmers who donate eggs and potatoes whenever we need them. We have people come in every day and we pass out food every day. Nobody goes hungry. If they do, they don’t know about the availability of food.”

The Salvation Army draws 70–100 people for a weekly meal, while the food pantry and a food giveaway event both draw 30–35.

The working poor

In Cleveland, The Salvation Army’s West Park Corps distributes 24,000 pounds of fresh produce once a month from March to September.

“Right now, there is such a need for fresh fruits and vegetables to have a balanced diet. But with the economy, it’s not affordable for most homes,” said Melanie Nolen, social services coordinator at West Park. “We’re blessed to be able to help. At least once a month, people can have a nice abundance of fresh produce in the home.”

Major Pam Rhodes, a Salvation Army

officer in Canandaigua, N.Y., said even clients receiving maximum Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are having a difficult time making ends meet.

“Those people are struggling the most,” she said. “They may not qualify for a $400–a–month food benefit because they make just a few bucks too much. The working poor are really the hardest group hit right now because there are just no programs for them.”

Rhodes said many of the working poor who were living paycheck–to–paycheck and struggling to buy food before COVID–19 are now also dealing with a higher cost of living, but their paychecks have not kept up with costs. “People are deciding whether they’re going to pay their rent or buy their groceries or turn on their heat,” she said.

The Salvation Army is collaborating with other non–profits in Canandaigua to help homeless people, who are housed in five local hotels. Food pantries are several miles away and they often lack transportation. Rhodes said The Salvation Army bought a 12–passenger van to visit the hotels once a week to bring nutritious food and hygiene items to about 50 people. Another 100–150 visit the food pantry each month.

“We’ve had people break down in tears because they didn’t know where they were going to be getting food from, especially the people we deliver food to,” she said. “The people all know we are pastors. We have been able to pray with people.”

The food insecurity issue has opened a door for spiritual contacts. Rhodes said her favorite part of the day is walking past caseworker Maria Bizardi’s office as she prays with someone. During one recent trip to a motel, Rhodes taught an elderly man with cancer how to operate his microwave. They also prayed together.

“He gave me his skinny and cold hand and I was able to pray over him. That’s where the rubber meets the road. That’s where the mission matters most,” Rhodes said.

The cost of fruits and vegetables rose by 8.5% in 2022.*

ExperienceAll Experience it All

DANCE-THEATRE-MUSIC-CONCERTS-EVENTS

The Salvation Army offers programs in music and arts to teach people of all ages how to sing, play instruments, dance, and act. Whether you’re on the stage performing or in the audience worshipping, you can be part of a lifetime of fulfillment and spiritual purpose.

Go to SACONNECTS.ORG to see all we have to offer

There ’s so much Comehappening. and be a part of it !

Every purchase you make at a Salvation Army Thrift Store helps change lives. Proceeds fund local Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARCs) where people who struggle with drugs and alcohol find help and hope. Visit SArehab.org to learn more

Thrift Store Finds

Kitchen tools that simplify food prep can make it much easier to stick to your healthy cooking and eating goals, and make cooking more fun! Here are six convenient and versatile kitchen items we found at local Salvation Army thrift stores to help you eat well within your budget.* *These items are examples of what you may find. Actual store items will vary.

 LEMON/LIME SQUEEZER

A bit of citrus juice adds lots of flavor to most foods. This squeezer won’t waste a single drop from your favorite fruit! $0.99.

 MINI VEGETABLE CHOPPER

You won’t need any knife skills to be the best garlic, onion, and herb chopper. $5.25.

 MEASURING CUP

To follow recipes, you need good measuring devices. This sturdy and durable Pyrex cup costs only $4.29.

 STEAMER BASKET

Steamed veggies are one of the healthiest side dishes around. Enjoy them with the help of a steamer basket. This affordable version can be used in pressure cookers such as the Instant Pot. $1.99.

 VEGETABLE SPIRALIZER

Having a basic spiralizer in the house is a fun way to make low–calorie, low–carb, nutritious veggie noodles anytime you want. $2.99.

RICE COOKER 

A rice cooker isn’t just for rice. Many people use a rice cooker as an alternative to a slow cooker or an instant pot. Rice cookers can cook curries, soups, stews, and even cakes! $17.50.

by ROBERT MITCHELL

Major Ismael Correa admits he once “ate a lot of junk,” but he ultimately paid a hefty price for it. When he fell into a diabetic coma in 1994, his blood sugar was 14 times the normal level, and the event forever changed his life and attitude toward nutrition.

“I am not supposed to be here. When I woke up, even though it was a stressful situation, I remember being at peace and having this sense that God was with me,” Correa recalls. “From that moment on, I have been on a journey towards better health. It was a rude awakening and I think God used that to bring me closer to His presence.”

Correa, now a Salvation Army officer in Allentown, Pa., was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (insulin dependent) at age 24. He weighed 210 pounds at the time, but standing only 5–foot–5, he was technically obese and admits he didn’t eat healthy while working for a non–profit in his hometown of Brooklyn, N.Y.

“My A1C (blood sugar level), my triglycerides, and blood pressure were out of control,” he said. “I have always been obese with congenital health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism. I have been on different medications in addition to insulin.”

Then there was the issue of his family history. Correa feared he would suffer a

heart attack, aneurism, blindness or limb amputation as his grandmother, mother, and uncle did. All of them were also diabetics who died of congestive heart failure.

Correa got involved in physical fitness, including martial arts and weight training. He also followed special diets and would lose some of the weight, only to gain it back.

Frustrated by the setbacks, Correa began researching bariatric sleeve surgery, which involves cutting out a portion of the stomach so it can only take in small portions of food while eliminating the hormone that causes hunger. It also raises metabolism levels. Correa’s surgeon shared that many of his problems were related to “metabolic syndrome,” which prohibited his body from losing any meaningful weight because of endocrinological deficiencies.

“Bariatric surgery can restart your metabolism and then you lose any excess weight,” Correa explained.

High protein, low carbs

Over a seven–month period before the surgery, Correa met with a nutritionist, received clearance from all his health specialists, underwent a psychological evaluation, and participated in support groups. One of his goals was to lose as much weight as possible prior to surgery. Following his nutritionist’s meal plan, Correa lost 35 pounds on his own and 85 pounds in the

next two and a half years. His A1C level was 9 when he was diagnosed with diabetes but is now a more manageable 6.8.

“Before the surgery, even though I was intentionally active, I was not losing the weight because of the health complications plus having metabolic syndrome, Correa said. “Once I understood that and proceeded to go with the operation, things made more sense. I have seen my metabolism is a bit faster now and I can eat and not gain enormous amounts of weight.

“After getting bariatric sleeve surgery, I follow a high–protein, low–carbohydrate diet,” he said. “I don’t deprive myself from some of life’s ‘goodies,’ but I am mindful of what I eat. My portions are smaller, but I have learned to be satisfied with them.”

Correa said he maintains his weight and health by keeping in touch with his doctors and keeping all appointments. He also takes his prescribed medications, along with vitamins and health supplements. Unlike before, he now eats a healthy diet and exercises daily.

The hours of a Salvation Army officer are often long and arduous and Correa knows maintaining his health is a key part of fulfilling his mission each day, and for the long term.

Despite his busy schedule as an officer, the 55–year–old Correa is up at 3:30 a.m. most days and out the door to the gym for a 90–minute

Diabetes: what’s the difference?

Type 1 diabetes—commonly called juvenile diabetes—often shows up early in life and is caused by the body not producing enough insulin. Those with Type 1 often take insulin shots.

Type 2 diabetes is mainly caused by unhealthy eating habits and obesity. It sometimes can be reversed through a healthy diet, exercise, and medicine.

“Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them, and will reveal unto them the abundance of peace and truth.”

—JEREMIAH 33:6 KJV

workout. His current weight is 183 pounds.

“On those days when I can’t go to the gym at the usual time, I’ll go in the evening, or if the weather allows it, I’ll take a walk,” he said. “I also keep a set of dumbbells in my office and do a little workout while I’m at work. The important thing is to make the time to exercise. No one else can do this for me. It’s up to me. I must be intentional about being active and doing some sort of exercise, whether it’s the gym, walking, running, or some sort of organized sport.”

Looking better, feeling better Prayer, meditation, and the reading of Scripture also keep Correa in balance and aid him in the managing of daily stress.

“Those have been the constants throughout the whole journey. Even though I have had frustrating times dealing with the weight and the sicknesses and the complication of diabetes and the other diseases, the knowledge and experience of God being with me has been real,” Correa said. “I think that has helped fuel my spiritual life and has helped me throughout my ministry.”

Major Doug Burr, a Salvation Army officer in Rochester, N.Y., never fell into a diabetic coma like Correa, but doctors told him he was nearing diabetic numbers about eight years ago when he took action to improve his eating habits. He only weighed 175 pounds, but his clothes were too tight for his liking, and he worried about a family history of diabetes.

“When you don’t feel good and you don’t feel comfortable, you know that something’s wrong,” Burr said. “I was not eating healthy by any means. I suppose I ate a typical American diet.”

Burr and his wife, Major Deborah Burr, were fans of the weight loss reality show “The Biggest Loser.” When he found out a “boot camp” was being held near his former appointment in Chambersburg, Pa., and some guests from the show would be there, Burr attended. He was surprised to see two pastors

at the event, and they talked more about diet and watching calories than exercise.

“They really made it a spiritual event,” Burr said. “It focused on our spiritual responsibility to take care of ourselves.”

Burr took copious notes about nutrition, sugar, calories, and healthy eating habits.

“I was blown away by what I was learning,” he said. “It became a spiritual focus.”

Modern tech can help

He was also introduced to an app called “My Fitness Pal,” where he could type in what he was eating and it displayed the calorie count. Burr soon learned that a small apple has about 60–80 calories, while a medium apple has 100. The Wendy’s Frosty he loved so much had almost as many calories as an entire meal, so he now avoids them.

“It’s easy for me to stop eating with the app,” he says. “I close the app and I can’t eat any more. I’ve learned a lot about nutrition and what I should be eating and what I shouldn’t eat.

“I’m like everyone else. I don’t think about what I’m eating. I just eat it. If I don’t eat a lot of it, I think, ‘Well, I’m OK.’ But it all adds up throughout the day. I’ve learned that if I’m not paying attention to my diet, I gain about a pound a year. That’s slow so I don’t notice it.”

Burr, 65, tries to maintain a strict intake of 2,000 calories a day, or about 500 a meal, and another 500 for snacks. He quickly lost 25 pounds and, while his weight has fluctuated, Burr is now at 158 pounds and has been in that ballpark for several years.

“When I start losing weight, and people notice it, it feels good,” he said. “It spurs me on to keep going. My clothes aren’t as tight and I can bend over easier without losing my breath and things like that. When I start feeling good, like I haven’t in a long time, it makes a difference, and I start feeling good about myself.

“Since I learned all about nutrition and how to eat and exercise and do what I

—1 Corinthians 6:19.

should, I feel pretty good.”

In shape for the fight

Burr said losing weight resulted in a corresponding drop in his cholesterol level and he has more energy. During a recent trip to Greece, he proudly outraced much younger people to the top of an ancient arena.

“What a lot of people find is that if they eat healthy, a lot of the meds they’re on for diabetes or high blood pressure, they don’t have to take that stuff anymore,” he said.

The lifestyle of a Salvation Army officer is often fast–paced and hectic. Burr admits the convenient thing to do is eat fast food and not think about the health consequences. That can take a toll over the years.

“Our Salvation Army office style is we sit behind a desk,” he said. “We have to do a lot of paperwork and especially if we’re not in a corps setting, where we have to get out and run after the kids and do different things. I often just grab what food I like and what’s fast,” he said. “Where we’re stationed now, there’s food everywhere. It’s so easy to eat in the role that we’re doing as officers. You eat all the time. I just must be careful.

“I can even eat healthy at a fast–food place, I just must be intentional about it. I can go to McDonald’s and get a fine meal for under 500 calories, and it fills me up.”

Burr has taught a class on nutrition at his church because he believes people rarely slow down to learn about healthy eating. Revisiting the boot camp he attended helps Burr bring healthy eating to his spiritual life.

“I feel it’s our God–given responsibility to take care of ourselves,” he said. “The big thing I think about is our body as a temple. The Holy Spirit lives there. You must take care of yourself. If you take care of yourself, you have a lot more years of ministry and life ahead of you, but if you don’t, you’re likely to have a heart attack or stroke and die early. I should be offering everything to God, including my health.”

“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own.”

What I eat in a day.

Doug and Ismael shared some tips on what they eat in a day to help them stay fit and healthy. Some of the things they look out for are calories, protein, and carbohydrates. Adding in regular activity also helps.

“One of the big things is portions. We have this idea that we eat the whole thing. Well, why? When I go out, I may have spaghetti or chicken parmigiana, but I just eat half of it, and I have another meal for later. That’s usually fine.”

Major Doug Burr’s diet

His goal is to eat around 500 calories (C) per meal and 2,000 C a day.

Breakfast: Sugar free oatmeal (100 C), grits (100 C), egg whites (60 C), a slice of turkey bacon (50 C), toast with low–calorie spray butter (80 C), a banana, and hot chocolate (40 C). He also drinks water and flavored tea, which has zero calories. He sometimes has a protein bar or peanut butter for a snack in the mornings after breakfast.

Lunch: Turkey ham sandwich with low–fat chips. He sometimes adds cheese and low–calorie chocolate cookies.

Dinner: Can vary widely, but often pork chops, roast beef, homemade pizza, and frozen dinners (200–300 C).

Snacks: A bowl of cereal (150 C), frozen yogurt, or a fudge bar (90 C).

“Reduce your portions and stay away from junk food. I know that’s easier said than done. Avoid the sugary stuff. You develop an addiction when you consume a lot of sugar. That’s hard to break away from.”

Major Ismael Correa’s diet

“The key is to make sure your protein intake is higher than your carbohydrate.”

Breakfast: Cottage cheese and berries and sometimes a shake with at least 25 grams of protein.

Lunch: Protein shake. “I use those as replacement meals,” he said. “I can have one for breakfast and lunch.”

Dinner: 3 ounces of meat (palm size) with protein such as turkey, chicken or tuna; 3 ounces of salad; and a carb choice, such as half a baked potato (fist size) or one–fourth cup of rice.

Snacks: High protein offerings such as string cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, and some green fruits.

Beverages: Water and sugar–free drinks. Correa believes diet sodas include a chemical that can trigger hunger and doesn’t recommend them.

THE SALVATION ARMY’S OTHERS PROGRAM OFFERS FLEXIBLE JOBS AND FAIR WAGES SO PEOPLE IN OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE ACCESS TO DECENT EMPLOYMENT. THROUGH YOUR PURCHASES, WE PROVIDE LIFE–CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES TO OVER 1200 ARTISANS IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD. TO SEE ALL OF OUR HANDMADE, QUALITY PRODUCTS AND LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR MISSION, VISIT:

From insecurity to empowerment

60 million people turn to food banks in developed countries every year, representing about 7.2 percent of the world’s population. According to a research project conducted by The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission (ISJC ), there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for food assistance in many developed countries and regions, from North America to Europe to Australia/Oceana.

The report also stated that the need for food banks will remain high and continue to increase in the future. Therefore, a concerted effort was taken throughout this research project to determine how The Salvation Army approaches this and can expand its effectiveness in bringing help to these communities.

Among other observations, the report stated that food banks are the Army’s primary modality to meeting this demand and combating hunger within vulnerable populations. But it also pointed out that a paradigm shift is needed from solely offering charitable contributions to providing education and awareness. Such efforts will help to empower populations to eradicate the underlying problems that are causing their food insecurity.

Dealing with the stigma

In many of the developed nations, food banks are considered socially unacceptable ways of acquiring food as they are perceived as charity. In this way, they are often considered as inhibitors to reducing food insecurity as they promote dependency and a welfare mentality in both recipients and providers. Security is dependent on its ability to employ food, justice, and community

development principles, and empower the recipient to have control over the decisions that affect their lives.

Encouraging food assistance to be seen as a “hand up” rather than a “hand out” as a gateway to accessing services, such as budgeting classes, life skills courses, case management, education, and employment opportunities, as well as means of creating a sense of community and belonging, is crucial. The types of food programs that would utilize higher degrees of this framework, such as the community garden, community development programs, and school–based food programs are being used frequently by officers, employees, and volunteers.

It is presumed that the officers, employees, and volunteers serving were unaware of how to empower recipients to address the structural or institutional discrimination that they may be facing, which contributes to the current situation. Providing education and training on advocacy, social justice, addressing unfair systems, and structures and community mobilization may assist with this so that officers, employees, and volunteers can apply this to their own settings. Ensuring the recipients are provided with resources, opportunities, vocabulary, knowledge, and skills to increase their control over decision making in their lives is crucial to decreasing dependency on food assistance programs.

SDGs and Agenda 2030

Today, The Salvation Army is an active partner in pursuit of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and made “actionable” in 2017. Listed among these interlinked objectives is “SDG 2: Zero Hunger.” These SDGs are part of what is known as Agenda 2030, stated by the UN as a “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.”

*Combatting Food Insecurity: The Growth and effectiveness of Salvation Army food banks in developed countries by Caitlin Hallett and published by The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission (2015). The study investigates the perception of officers, volunteers, and employees who are involved in the administration of food assistance regarding the growth of Army food banks. This extensive study also explores the food banks and their effectiveness concerning empowerment, sustainability, and reducing food insecurity as it examines the experiences of food bank recipients.

For further information, visit: www.salvationarmy.org/isjc

To read the full report, scan the QR code.

Excerpted from Combatting Food Insecurity: The Growth and effectiveness of Salvation Army food banks in developed countries*

Building your body and soul

by RESA BERRY

If you had a car for your entire family and it was the only way to get to work, to church, to the grocery store, and to your children’s school activities, you would probably do everything in your power to ensure that car lasts. You would never miss an oil change. You would never ignore the “Check Engine” light. You would never disregard something so important to your livelihood.

Your body is like that imaginary car. It’s your one vehicle for life, so in what ways can you care for the health of your “engine”?

Living healthily means nurturing yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually. Such a lifestyle cannot be reduced to a number. It’s not extreme fitness and performance. As with all relationships, including your walk with Jesus, they take work and develop over time. It’s a lifetime endeavor of learning, adapting, and balancing.

My health journey started 22 years ago at the Academy of Martial Arts in Arizona. My first dream was to become a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) trainer like my coaches, but I didn’t become a certified personal trainer until after my first

daughter was born.

I struggled with anxiety and post–partum depression, but when I found that exercise alleviated my symptoms, I felt impassioned to help others who also felt utterly lost and out of control. A few years later, I became a certified nutrition coach and, more recently, a sports performance specialist.

Like many people, the journey hasn’t always been easy for me. But once I developed a personal relationship with health and fitness, I discovered ways to stay committed to achieving long–term success. The key for me was Ezekiel 46:9: “When the people of the land come before the Lord at the appointed feasts, whoever enters by the north gate to worship is to go out the south

gate; and whoever enters by the south gate is to go out the north gate. No one is to return through the gate by which he entered, but each is to go out the opposite gate.”

When we carve out time to focus on our health and spirit, we are not to go back as we came but emerge with increased holiness. We must exit the space differently than how we entered it.

Connect with yourself and with God. My special time for doing this begins at 4 a.m. when the house is quiet. After an hour of exercise, meditating, and talking (and sometimes crying) to God, I’m not the same.

Each morning, an overwhelming wave of mental clarity comes over me. My sessions help stabilize my mood, so I feel more in control throughout the day, no matter the circumstances at home or work.

Time with Jesus changes me, and it can change you too. As a vessel restored whom God can use, you’ll be ready to be the person everyone needs.

Any activity you choose will help

increase your lifespan and quality of life. Start viewing health as a priority and through the lens of life–long learning and transformation. In addition to weight loss, you’ll also see the many benefits such activities can bring to your life:

• Feel and move better

• Increase stamina to do what you love

• Keep up with your children

• Sleep better

• Improve self–esteem

• Gain a positive outlook

• Develop physical competence

• Strengthen your resilience

• Sharpen your memory

• Slow biological aging

•Reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and ADHD.

Walking more is the simplest and most affordable way to build a healthy habit. Start with 10–minute walks at least 5 times per week. This is a great routine and an excellent foundation to build on. After–dinner walks have proven to be effective in recent

studies and can help bring glucose down. Enjoy a solo walk while listening to a devotional or bring the family out for some screen–free bonding time.

Start the journey by finding what works for you – what you think is joyful and fulfilling. Find ways to combine physical activity with something spiritually nourishing that can realistically last a lifetime.

For example, if you consistently read a devotional each morning, include some exercise afterward to create a balanced routine. Remember that your body is a vessel. It holds your mind, soul, and spirit. It carries life and sustains it. It’s more important than that imaginary car. Dig deep and search for the real reason that intrinsically motivates you, and continually re–dedicate yourself to that commitment throughout your journey.

Book Review

The Life of the Body: Physical Well–Being and Spiritual Formation

By Valerie E. Hess and Lane M. Arnold

This book is a beautifully written invitation to a new way of experiencing God with your whole body and soul. In profound ways, the unity of the body with the soul influences our walk with Christ. The two are strongly connected. The heart speaks to the body; the body speaks to the heart.

This concept connects deeply to the heart of Jesus. In this compelling read, you’ll discover simple and effective ways to be useful in the Kingdom of God by developing health habits, such as exercise and proper nutrition, into practical evangelism tools and spiritual formation exercises.

“Each of us can be a witness to God’s love and goodness by living joyfully and creatively. We seek to be healthy and full of life because our Savior was. Being as healthy and joyful as possible, as individuals and members of the body of Christ, we are powerful testimonies: physically, relationally, spiritually, creatively, emotionally, and mentally. Physical life supports our spiritual formation that in turn nurtures our physicality.”

What would your body say if it could communicate God’s goodness in your life right now? Unfortunately, a lack of care for your body and soul can hinder your witness to the abundant life of Christ. Through this encouraging read, we can learn how to become as healthy as possible. Then, Christ’s body here on earth remains a vital witness to the wholeness and fullness of the good news of Jesus Christ.

Resa Berry is an arts ministries specialist for The Salvation Army USA Eastern Territory.

A seat in the Teaching Kitchen

by HUGO BRAVO

There is a room inside The Salvation Army’s church in Harrisburg, Pa., that could double as a set of a TV cooking program. There are eight stoves with sinks and counters for contestants, plus one stove and sink in the front for the host, complete with an overhead camera and monitor to show what is being prepared. But the cooking done in this kitchen isn’t to win competitions or score high ratings, but rather to educate the Harrisburg community on healthy cooking and better eating habits.

The cooking lessons go beyond food prepared for a day. They contribute to proper lunches for kids in school, healthier dinners at home for families, and better educated residents in the community.

"Fifteen years ago, we started bringing the Family Table Teaching Kitchen

to different spaces and locations,” says Meghan Zook, community health and nutrition administrator for The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region. “But we wanted a place where the community would come to us.”

Four years ago, Salvation Army leaders in Harrisburg moved the church to its new location, which was built with a kitchen that anyone would want in their house. This would create a hands-on, healthy cooking experience that could be replicated at home.

Families, bachelors, and an 'Iron Chef' The Family Table Teaching Kitchen is a series of lessons with a focus on different audiences and lifestyles. Classes for children are held afterschool and taught by nutrition students from nearby Messiah College. During the

corps' summer program, the Teaching Kitchen is filled with over 100 children enjoying age-appropriate nutrition education classes each day as part of their schedule.

Adults learn from a nationwide cooking curriculum called "Cooking Matters for Adults." Along with learning to prepare healthy meals, they learn about the five food groups and how to read nutritional labels on the products they buy. Kareen Yeager, the Army’s community health nutrition educator in Harrisburg, teaches these classes.

“In six weeks, we cover a lot. There are lessons on smart shopping, saving money, and meal prepping,” says Yeager, who has stayed in contact with her students since she taught her first class in October of 2021. One of these students is Toya Ramseur, who

lost 85 lbs. through Yeager's lessons.

“Toya was even interviewed on local TV; she's a great representation for the program,” says Yeager. “All it took was some education and small changes to her food preparation.”

Though the adult classes have mostly women participants, “Man-Made Meals” was created for single men who want to cook for themselves, and married men whose wives aren’t making the healthiest meals for them. “These men take our classes because they want to be more in control of their health and the food preparation at home,” says Zook.

Senior citizens can participate in the adult classes, but they also have their own sessions at earlier times. Once a month, they welcome Joel Dincher, an Iron Chef who has competed against TV host and chef Bobby Flay. Dincher works with Zook, who herself is a registered dietician, to teach healthy eating to the seniors.

“Joel shows us his own cooking tips, tricks, ways to cut food, and even the personal spin he puts on his recipes. The

seniors love when he teaches,” says Zook.

The Teaching Kitchen has partnered with local healthcare providers to find patients at risk for serious health problems and refer them to the Harrisburg Corps. There, the Teaching Kitchen provides them with a free, hands-on education in an accessible, judgement-free setting.

“If someone suffers from high blood pressure, there are steps they can take before going on medication. At the corps, they can learn those steps," says Yeager, who has a degree in public health.

“We don’t want people in our community to reach the point that their health problems send them to the emergency room. It’s dangerous, expensive, and by then, it’s harder to educate someone on their health,” says Zook. “Instead, we want the doctors to tell them that they can get educated with us before it’s too late.”

The kitchen connection

After every class, students in the program are welcome to a bag of groceries from the Army’s choice pantry.

“The students tell me that taking part in this program helps their food budget. They prepare food that they can eat with us, and then take some food from the pantry back to their families,” says Zook. “When you want to make big changes in the community, you must make it as easy as possible for the community to change. There are low-income households that have a lot going on in their lives; they might be in-between jobs or busy caring for their kids. These folks may not have the money or the time to think about eating healthier.”

Along with better eating choices, participants of the Teaching Kitchen make friendships and connections with people who are also learning and trying to improve their health.

“Food feeds the body, but social interactions formed while cooking in a group feeds the mind and spirit,” says Zook. “When we get to know people who take our class, we also get to know their family, their health needs, and how to make them feel welcome. That connection feeds all our spirits too.”

Tuna Quesadillas

(makes 6 servings)

Supplies:

Measuring cups

Large bowl

Mixing spoon

Oil or Pam spray

Cutting board and knife

Large skillet

Spatula

Ingredients:

2 cans of tuna in water, drained

¼ cup light mayo

1 15 oz. can sweet corn

1 15 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 bell pepper, diced

6 8–inch flour tortillas (preferably whole wheat)

1 packet low sodium taco seasoning

1 ½ cups cheese (shredded or sliced, any flavor)

Directions:

1) In a large bowl, mix tuna, mayo, sweet corn, diced tomatoes, diced peppers, and taco seasoning.

2 ) Heat skillet to medium heat. Spray with Pam or grease with oil.

3) Spread 1/6 of the filling over half of each tortilla. Top with sliced or shredded cheese and fold tortilla over top of the filling and place onto skillet. You can place two folded tortillas on the skillet at a time.

4) Brown the tortilla on each side. Serve hot.

Try this recipe from Kareen Yeager’s Teaching Kitchen cooking class!

photos courtesy of Meghan Zook

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

by HUGO BRAVO

Chris Eifert and Vipal Patel, soccer coaches from Dayton, Ohio, knew that their involvement with soccer was ready for a change. In 2019, at a soccer tournament where their daughters were playing, the men discussed what their own futures would look like if they decided to remain as coaches.

“We wanted to continue coaching, but we weren’t sure that we wanted to keep doing it in affluent suburban communities. We both wanted a more meaningful experience in the sport we loved,” says Chris. “For years, I had thought about starting a soccer club for underserved families, but I never really had the time for it. Vipal told me that he didn’t have the time for it either, but maybe we should try do to it anyway.”

For families that can afford it, a competitive soccer environment is always available. That was true in the suburbs of Dayton, Ohio. But north and west of downtown Dayton, communities weren’t as well–to–do as those where Chris and Vipal had coached. “Those areas are soccer deserts; urban environments that aren’t set up to introduce soccer to children,” says Vipal.

Though many established clubs offer scholarships for children in soccer deserts, Vipal says there are two inherent flaws.

“Firstly, is the logistics issue; getting from inner–city Dayton to the suburbs is next to impossible. Secondly, kids naturally want to play with their friends. It’s generous to offer a scholarship, but it doesn’t account for the children who want to play with kids they eat lunch with at school or the friends they’ve known for years,” says Vipal.

The two dads, along with Sheila Eifert, Chris’ wife, began to put their focus into a league that would serve children who lacked access to quality soccer programs. The group had heard about a facility in Dayton—The Salvation Army Dayton Kroc Center, which was in a prime location for a soccer program. Along with the space and

fields to practice soccer, the Kroc also brought in children who knew each other through Sunday worship services and other programs.

“To have a facility is important, but without an organization that’s already known and serving the community, it would have been very difficult to start a soccer club,” says Sheila. As the Kroc Soccer Club administrator, she is in direct contact with the families of the players, for many of whom English is their second language. Registering the families is a twofold job; they become members of the Kroc, and then members of the league itself. That requires organization of birth certificates, medical waivers, and other documents. Sometimes Sheila even goes door–to–door with a translator to make sure that every family is accounted for.

“Vipal and I bring in the donors, the coaches, and our enthusiasm for soccer, but Sheila is the one doing the really hard work,” says Chris.

“She’s the heartbeat of the program,” says Vipal. “When a child doesn’t have a ride to practice, Sheila is the one calling up parents to see if they can help. She’s also bringing in other volunteers to take up roles in the club.”

“My favorite part of this job is working with those families that cheer like their child won the World Cup when they make their first goal,” says Sheila.

In only a few years, the Dayton Kroc’s soccer program has grown to 150 players and 20 coaches, making up ten teams. Chris, Sheila, and Vipal continue to give their nights and weekends to the soccer club and have seen it grow into a ministry beyond their expectations. The club hopes to expand through a partnership with Dayton public schools, which will offer soccer to more children in the community.

“We proudly serve a community of all nationalities, colors, and religions.

Sometimes, that can mean missing practices due to certain holidays. Every coach knows of these days, and is accepting and understanding to excuse players,” says Vipal. “Soccer itself is a unifying sport, and we never want someone to feel like they are unwelcome or that their traditions are not respected.”

“Our original objective was to replace that soccer desert, but even more so than that, we wanted a club where cost and location would not be a prohibiting factor,” says Chris. “We love soccer, but the sport itself isn’t the point of why we do this. We wanted to introduce athletics, teamwork, physical fitness, and a love of being active.”

“We were fortunate to find an organization where our interests align,” says Vipal. “The Salvation Army knows how to find the families, work with them, and bring programs like ours to them. Chris, Sheila, and I aren’t experts at that type of work, but the Army is. It’s what they do best.”

(top to bottom) Vipal Patel, Chris Eifert, and Sheila Eifert brought their love of soccer to the Dayton Kroc Center.

Hunger

Disaster Illness

Loneliness

Shelter

Basic Needs

Medical Bills

Unemployment

Despair Spiritual Care

Measure

The goal of the Salvation Army’s Love Beyond campaign is to increase public awareness of our year-round services. We love beyond hunger, homelessness, destruction, fear, loss, addiction, loneliness, despair, overdue bills, and so much more. We love beyond the circumstances of those we serve, seeing and valuing each person.