Salvation Army closing food bank, church in Cornwall, Ont.

The Salvation Army is closing a Cornwall food bank and church, sparking concerns from centres already grappling with a growing demand. Peter Szperling reports.

The Salvation Army is closing its food bank in Cornwall this spring, saying the agency must “steward resources responsibly.”

In a letter posted on social media Tuesday afternoon, the Salvation Army said that, after a “careful operational review,” a decision has been made to close the local church and Community Services. The church will be closing on June 7 and the food bank will shut its doors on May 15.

In a statement to CTV News, the Salvation Army said the situation underscores “a growing challenge across the sector” of insufficient donor funding.

The Salvation Army says there are other options for those in the area who accessed their services, including another nearby food bank.

“Our team is also working diligently to help those we serve with this transition,” the Salvation Army wrote.

Cornwall Coun. Todd Bennett says other food banks in the area are already stretched thin.

“First reaction was shock, and then the questions came. The questions for me are, where are these people going to go to that use this service?” Bennett said.

“I’m really concerned how some of these people are going to make it to the end of the month.”

Lisa Duprau, executive director of the Agapè Centre, a food bank and community kitchen in Cornwall, says the closure also has her concerned

“That’s one less food bank, for people to access,” Duprau said.

“Before Christmas, we were around 3,330, 3,400, and since January, we were at 4,000 people per month, just for our food bank alone.”

Eric Wall, a Cornwall resident, says the food banks closure is a “huge shock.”

“We don’t know what we’re going to do,” he said.

“Our plan is to keep the Thrift Shop operating,” the Salvation Army said in the letter.

“We are currently working on a plan to continue supporting the Thrift Store team and operations. This was not an easy decision, and we recognize the deep meaning the Salvation Army has held for many donors, supporters, and community partners over the years.”

The food bank and church are located at 500 York Street in Cornwall. According to the Salvation Army’s website, the food bank is open every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Thrift Store is located on 4^th Street West in Cornwall.

“Please know that this decision reflects the need to steward resources responsibly while ensuring our ability to sustain transformational services where they can have the greatest impact,” the Salvation Army said.

“Your past support enabled us to be responsive, compassionate, and effective in serving those most in need.”

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