OGDENSBURG –The Salvation Army soup kitchen is now providing more food for local people in need, thanks to partnerships with Catholic Charities and the Volunteer Transportation Center.

An average of 200 meals are being made each Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, said Lt. Mark Devanney, Corps Officer of Ogdensburg’s Salvation Army.

Before the pandemic, the soup kitchen was preparing one meal per week.

Since starting a partnership with Catholic Charities in October, the Salvation Army has increased to three days per week.

“Catholic Charities saw the community need and the lack of soup kitchens, so they are now helping with the soup kitchen on Mondays and Thursdays,” said Devanney.

Also, the Volunteer Transportation Center began to assist with delivery of the meals in December.

“That has been a great help. Now there are about eight volunteer drivers per night. That partnership is highly valued,” said Devanney.

Two volunteer cooks, Elizabeth Marshall and Heather Spell, were recently busy in the kitchen getting the sausage dinners ready for deliveries and pickups of 208 meals.

“The goal of the soup kitchen is to provide food we would be happy to eat ourselves at home,” Devanney said.

“It’s been an amazing outreach that was born out of the pandemic. A lot of great things are happening at The Salvation Army, and we would love to let the community know,” said Captain Ann Marie Devanney.

The Salvation Army is looking for more volunteers to assist with the soup kitchen. Those interested in volunteering can call 315-393-3351.

Donations of money are also being accepted and can be sent to the Salvation Army at P.O. Box 404, Ogdensburg, NY 13669.