More than 180,000 meals will be provided from this partnership
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 26, 2022 – On Monday, June 27th, more than 28 palettes of food will leave a Convoy of Hope warehouse in Missouri and begin a journey of hope – a journey more than 5,500 miles long. The food, purchased through a $1 million donation from The Salvation Army, will relieve some of the significant food insecurity that has come about since the start of the Ukrainian crisis in February.
The Salvation Army’s long-standing presence in Ukraine began in 1993, meaning The Salvation Army was already part of the Ukrainian and neighboring communities in which they serve before the crisis began. Because of this, they were on the ground and able to respond immediately.
Convoy of Hope’s International Disaster Services team also immediately deployed to Poland in February and began working with Polish, Ukrainian, and Romanian partners to set up a supply chain network to send relief supplies into Ukraine. That network, partnered with The Salvation Army’s community investment, was a perfect match.
Where it has been safe to serve, The Salvation Army has pivoted programs to provide food, water, clothes, blankets, and emotional and spiritual care to those being displaced from their homes and who seek refuge – providing more than 25,000 refugees with food and shelter.
“The Salvation Army has continued to house, feed, and provide hygiene supplies and other basic life necessities, as well as medical assistance and spiritual guidance to many of the millions of refugees fleeing Ukraine,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander for The Salvation Army.
Sometimes this assistance has come in the form of a hot meal, clothing, bedding, a toothbrush and toothpaste – and sometimes that assistance has come in the form of access to Wi-Fi or a phone, or especially a shoulder to lean on.
Additionally, Convoy of Hope has worked with local organizations in Poland to provide hot meals for refugees coming across the border, as Poland has received the largest number of Ukrainian refugees. A warehouse was acquired in Lublin, Poland, with product being sourced locally, donated across Europe, and shipped from the United States via donated air freight and containers.
“The Salvation Army has such an incredible history of meeting the needs of people,” said Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson. “This generous donation will continue to do that, affecting the lives of Ukrainians in a powerful way and helping Convoy of Hope continue its long-term response to this conflict.”
Perhaps the biggest area of need continues to be food insecurity across the region as more than 10 million people have been displaced since this crisis began.
“This partnership between The Salvation Army World Service Office and Convoy of Hope means that more than $800,000 in food is making its way to the region quickly and efficiently to help those most impacted by this crisis,” Commissioner Hodder added. “More than 180,000 people will be provided with meals and The Salvation Army is beyond grateful to Convoy of Hope for joining with us in this service.”
About The Salvation Army USA
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 25 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is Doing The Most Good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.
About Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based organization with a driving passion to feed the world. With a long history as an early responder in times of natural disasters, Convoy of Hope has been a Four Star Charity as recognized by Charity Navigator every year since 2002. Convoy of Hope has served more than 193 million people since it was founded in 1994. For more information, please visit convoyofhope.org.
SOURCE The Salvation Army