Salem Elks #305 Supports Local Food Pantry With $2,500 Donation

Salem Elks Lodge #305 presented a check for $2,500 to Don Yeasted, Director of the Salem Community Pantry. This was a Gratitude Grant available through the Elks National Foundation (ENF) of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

We received a very compelling letter of need from the director letting us know the dire need of assistance at the pantry. Don informed us, they are partnered with the Second Harvest Food Bank which supplies them with their much needed canned food.

Second Harvest Food Bank services 168 pantries in the 4 county area (Mahoning Valley) and is a vital source for the Salem Pantry's needs. They were informed by the Mahoning Valley chapter that the normal food supply inventory was getting low. Usually Salem could receive a 30-day supply, they were now limiting it to a 5-day supply. This put the Salem Pantry at a 7-10 inventory of stock in canned goods.

The local churches and organizations have stepped up, upon hearing of the Pantry's needs which is a temporary fix. The board was informed it may have to resort to purchasing food and limit the amount of visits permitted by the public. 

The Salem Elks Lodge certainly hopes that this small gesture will help assist the Salem Community Pantry in it's mission to provide nutritious food to the residents of the Salem area.