MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) — As the federal government shutdown stretches now into almost its sixth week, The Salvation Army in Murfreesboro is reporting a significant increase in families seeking help with food and utility assistance.

At the local center on West Main Street, more families are turning to The Salvation Army for daily hot meals and monthly food boxes. Staff say the growing demand reflects the deepening strain many Rutherford County residents are feeling as federal benefits remain delayed.

“With so many local families relying on SNAP benefits for food and LIHEAP to heat their homes, any delay in these programs can push people to the breaking point,” said Major Bill Mockabee, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Nashville and Murfreesboro. “Our goal is to make sure no one in Murfreesboro has to choose between feeding their children or keeping their homes warm — but we need the community’s help to do it.”

As one of the area’s primary providers of emergency assistance, The Salvation Army has seen requests climb steadily this winter — a trend that could worsen if energy assistance funding remains stalled. Across the region, requests for food support have increased sharply, and with colder weather settling in, many local households are also struggling to afford utilities.

Kroger Food Angels Launching Early to Meet Local Needs

To help meet the rising need, The Salvation Army and Kroger are launching the Kroger Food Angels program early this year — on November 9 — to ensure families in Murfreesboro and across Middle Tennessee have the groceries needed for a full and nourishing holiday meal.

“We’re proud to partner with The Salvation Army to support local families during such a difficult time,” said Lauren Bell, Head of Communications and Public Affairs for the Kroger Nashville Division. “Helping our neighbors in need is what community is all about.”

The early launch will ensure that every Angel Tree family receives the groceries needed for a complete Christmas meal, while also extending support to additional households facing food insecurity due to the ongoing SNAP benefit delays. The proactive approach allows staff to better anticipate needs, manage resources, and maintain The Salvation Army’s commitment to meeting both immediate and emerging needs within the community.

How the Community Can Help

The Salvation Army continues to serve anyone in need, regardless of background or circumstance, but additional resources are urgently required to sustain these efforts. The organization says the best way for the public to help right now is through financial contributions, which stay local and allow staff to meet immediate needs for food and utility assistance.

Donations for Murfreesboro can be made:

• Online: SalvationArmyMurfreesboro.org

• By Mail: 1137 W. Main St., Murfreesboro, TN 37129

“The need in our community keeps growing — but so does the generosity of our neighbors,” said Major Mockabee. “We are truly grateful for everyone who continues to give, volunteer, and stand beside us as we help families through these challenging times.”

The Salvation Army remains committed to meeting human needs in His name without discrimination — providing food, warmth, and hope to those who need it most across Rutherford County.