Salvation Army Distributes Food Bags In Newton

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fFQQTejI7c

This morning in Newton County, many residents lined up at the Newton Chamber of Commerce to get a food bag from the Salvation Army in Meridian, as they conducted their first drive through food distribution in Newton.

Today from 9am-11am, the Salvation Army was able to give out more than 200 food bags.

After seeing a greater need for the food bags during the pandemic, the Salvation Army is planning to distribute food bags in Newton on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

The organization is glad to provide the service to residents in Newton, so they will no longer have to travel the distance to Meridian to receive a food bag.

“It feels so great you don’t have to go so far to get it, you know, for the people around town and stuff, you know, this is just right, it’s great,” said John Jenkins, Newton resident.

Lieutenant Tamara Robb with the Salvation Army shared what the requirements are in order for residents to receive a food bag.

“What they’ll need to do is fill out a small app, it takes five minutes to fill out, list their income, and they check their income level according to the chart, fill out family members names, and ages, show their ID. Takes about five minutes to fill out, and we’re giving about one bag for every 2 people in the vehicle,” said Lt. Tamara Robb.

She also shared what items they can expect to see inside of the bag they will receive.

“This is not going to be enough for a month, we’re just trying to supplement and then give and share with the community, so in the bag there is nonperishable food items, so they’ll have canned fruits and vegetables, rice and beans, canned meats and that the items we put in the bag,” said Lt. Robb.

Along with food distribution in Newton, the Salvation Army is continuing to do a drive- through food distribution in Meridian at the Salvation Army Social Service building.