Staff and volunteers with the Salvation Army prepare Easter Meals for guests on Good Friday (Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Salvation Army sees uptick in need amid pandemic

Apr 3, 2021 | 8:00 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- The doors to the Salvation Army were wide open on Good Friday to provide a place for people to celebrate and enjoy a hot Easter dinner.

Lasagna, salad, cupcakes, and an Easter treat bag were handed out to people who walked through their doors.

Captain Lorenda Dale said throughout the pandemic, the need has been steadily rising.

“I know our hot meals before COVID-19 we have been getting 40, 50, 60, now it is up to 60, 70, 80, 100, 110, it has definitely gone up,” she said.

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“The beginning of COVID-19 wasn’t too bad. But then as the months went on we were noticing it was going up more and more,” she added.

Job losses coupled with the rising cost of food have resulted in difficulty for low-income individuals to make ends meet.

Dale said the Salvation Army has noticed more housed people seeking assistance, from vouchers to their thrift store, to more basic necessities like food and utilities.

“People need to be able to make ends meet and we can be there to help them make ends meet,” Dale said.

A total of 125 meals were prepared for the Good Friday Easter meal.

Unlike Christmas last year, which saw people eating outside due to restrictions, 28 were allowed to eat inside and in turn have a sense of community during the Easter holiday.