The Salvation Army of Central Arkansas says it is in need of new food supplies due to the increasing numbers of families in need during the summer months.
The organization, which provides aid in Pulaski, Faulkner and neighboring counties, served balanced meals nearly 200 families in June. But dwindling resources have resulted in more encouragement to donate, with the Salvation Army pushing private groups and churches to hold drives and functions.
Marketing and Public Relations Director Kathy Barbeire says pressure is always felt during the summer months as a result of the number of children who are out of school.
"Low-income families who have children [are] paying increased childcare costs and they don't have access to the free and reduced lunches," Barbeire said. "This coming weekend is our tax-free holiday, so many parents are looking at their budgets and trying to figure out how they're going to both purchase groceries and back-to-school items."
Residents can find a list of desired, non-perishable items at SalvationArmyCentralArkansas.org.