Never seen the warehouse as empty: Holidays stress Spokane Salvation Army food bank [Video]

SPOKANE, Wash. – The Salvation Army Spokane is experiencing a severe food shortage, impacting its ability to support the community during the holiday season.

The need for food at the Army’s food bank has significantly increased, with November seeing 708 more households served compared to October. The food bank served 6,321 families total in November.

This increase came even with five fewer days due to Thanksgiving.

“I have never seen the warehouse as empty as it is right now,” Salvation Army Spokane’s Director of Social Services Elaine Mansoor said. “We’ve been notified by partners due to the increase in food costs, they simply will not be able to provide the stock of shelf-stable food all the food banks are accustomed to.”

The shortage is particularly concerning for Mansoor because it comes just two weeks before Christmas – a time when families are already facing financial pressures.

“The basics that help …