A food drive to stock the shelves of the Newton Salvation Army Food Pantry is coming to a close this week. The Newton Salvation Army says their greatest need in January and early February is for the food pantry because donations tend to slow down in those months, but the need grows. Newton Salvation Army Captain Tim North says they don’t always assist the same people.

“We have seen a lot of new people and we have seen more numbers. I think the economy is having a big effect on that.”

Items listed as immediate needs include ramen noodles, spaghetti pasta and sauce, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, and canned soups (chicken noodle, vegetable beef, or tomato). 

The Newton and Grinnell Iowa Realty Office in Newton is collecting donations at their 736 North Third Avenue East office during normal business hours through this Friday, February 14th.