The food pantry at Bradford’s Salvation Army is running low, and
officials are seeking any support available from community
businesses and individuals.

The pantry supplies food to 75 people a week at minimum, said
Salvation Army Captain Deborah Weigner, co-officer of the Salvation
Army, but the stumbling economy has spurred a great demand for the
food, already in limited supply.

Garry Pugrant, chairman of the Salvation Army advisory board,
said that any donation could help the slim pantry.

“It’s a very large pantry and it’s usually full, but people are
hurting right now,” he said. “If corporations could have a food
drive that would really help or even simple donations from
community members would go a long way.”

Pugrant added that non-perishable items are best. These include:
soup, cereal, noodles, canned goods, stuffing and other items.

Weigner said the food pantry at 111 Jackson Ave. is open 10 a.m.
to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and supplies many area families
with much needed food staples.

Normally supplied by community donations, commissioner grants,
and money from the United Way, the pantry cannot keep up with
current high demand.

“We’re stretching our money as far as we can,” Weigner said.

Anyone interested in donating food or funds to the Salvation
Army food pantry should contact Henry or Deborah Weigner at the
Salvation Army.