ESCANABA – The Salvation Army in Escanaba has nearly emptied its Food Pantry following the heavy demand during the summer. They are looking for supplies to replenish shelves.

There have been increased requests with July and August depleting the Pantry’s supplies.

“While we are not seeing the double digit increases of two years ago we have provided much larger number of food boxes this year. These requests have been especially high during the summer months resulting in our pantry being nearly depleted,” said Major Ralph Hansen, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Escanaba.

While statistics are not yet available for August indications are that The Salvation Army continued to assist a larger number of household through the food pantry. Hansen said they will likely end the year serving a much higher number of families then last year.

“The items we need most in our Pantry at this time are canned meats, box meals, vegetables, cereals, spaghetti, macaroni & cheese, canned or instant potatoes, crackers, soup, fruit, peanut butter, jelly, and juice,” said Tammy Bigelow, social services caseworker.

Items can be dropped off at The Salvation Army, 3001 5th Ave. S. from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In addition, donations can be dropped off at the Delta County United Way’s Soup’r Chili Challenge, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Ruth Butler Building at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba.