A year ago at this time, the Albert Lea Salvation Army served about nine families a week from its food pantry.

Now, it is averaging about 15 families a day — and some days there are even more.

“The demands are just huge,” local Salvation Army Capt. Jim Brickson said. “I don’t know what that means.”

With increasing demands on the food pantry — as well as its meal sites on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoons — Brickson said the organization is struggling to keep up.

He said he’s had to bring on a new cook and a food service person to help.

Though the Salvation Army would like to offer meals five days a week, that won’t be a possibility at the rate things are going, he said.

As the economy has weakened, the need for services has increased.

Similar situations have been seen at other Salvation Army locations in the area as well, which have in turn brought in more clients with the weakened economy.

Last week, the Austin Salvation Army received a $15,000 donation from the United Way of Mower County’s emergency fund to assist the organization in paying its bills.

Brickson said though he doesn’t think Albert Lea’s Salvation Army is in such dire financial straits as the one in Austin, he is worried.

The Albert Lea nonprofit organization is currently about $20,000 behind in its budget.

What can people do to help?

Brickson said people interested in helping the Salvation Army serve the growing need can volunteer or donate food or money.

The food pantry needs volunteers in the mornings and afternoons.

The Albert Lea Salvation Army, 302 Court St., provides services including food and utilities assistance, Christmas assistance, an afterschool program, social work, counseling, disaster relief and spiritual guidance, among others, to those in need.