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Marion Today
By the People, for the People
Salvation Army Food Pantries Serve Record Numbers in Southern Illinois
Pantries in Marion and Centralia provided food to over 17,000 individuals in 2025.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois is celebrating the record-breaking impact of its food pantries in Marion and Centralia, which together served 7,518 households, 17,092 individuals, and 4,181 children in 2025 during a time of growing food insecurity in the region. The organization's commitment to excellence was recently affirmed with an exceptional review from the St. Louis Food Bank.
Why it matters
Food insecurity continues to be a pressing issue across Southern Illinois, and the Salvation Army's food pantries play a critical role in providing consistent, reliable access to nutritious food for families in need. The record-breaking numbers served highlight the growing demand and the Salvation Army's dedication to meeting that demand with compassionate, dignified, and high-quality service.
The details
The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois operates food pantries in Marion and Centralia that together served 7,518 households, 17,092 individuals, and 4,181 children in 2025. The pantries were recognized for their outstanding organization, cleanliness, and operational standards during a recent audit by the St. Louis Food Bank.
- The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois served a record number of individuals in 2025.
The players
The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois
A regional branch of the international Salvation Army organization that operates food pantries and other community programs in Southern Illinois.
Darla Harms
The Associate Director of The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois.
St. Louis Food Bank
A regional food bank that conducted an audit and recognized the Salvation Army's Marion food pantry for its exceptional standards.
What’s next
The Salvation Army of Southern Illinois is inviting community members, businesses, and partners to make financial donations to help expand its food pantry programs and ensure families across the region continue to have reliable access to essential resources.
The takeaway
The Salvation Army's record-breaking impact in serving over 17,000 individuals through its Southern Illinois food pantries in 2025 demonstrates the organization's vital role in addressing growing food insecurity in the region. Their commitment to quality, compassion, and dignity in serving those in need sets an example for how community-based organizations can make a meaningful difference.
