Feeding Rockland One Brown Bag at a Time

Hearing the words “Salvation Army” conjures up visions of the holidays, a red kettle, and a ringing bell. However, the Salvation Army’s work is not limited to the holidays. They are serving New Yorkers in poverty year round with housing and food programs, youth and elderly programs, addiction programs, music programs and more.

With 25 years of service around the country under his belt, Major Josh Lyle and his wife Major Catherine Lyle have recently been transferred from Asbury Park to the Spring Valley Salvation Army Headquarters. On a frigid winter morning, Major Josh Lyle met with the RCT to discuss the work of the Salvation Army in helping some of the neediest Rocklanders – most notably with food insecurity.

When the RCT interviewed Lyle and his team, volunteers were happily handing out meals during temperatures that struggled to reach above 25 degrees. Rivaling the Salvation Army smiles were the individuals jogging over to the truck. The Salvation Army workers were handing out breakfasts and lunches to people who otherwise might not have the means to pay for food on their own. Lyle commented that when people are forced to choose between a meal and rent, they often end up going hungry. That is where the Army steps in.

This mobile outreach program has now been taking place for over 30 years. What was once a one day a week Saturday program has since expanded to four days a week and involves multiple crews. According to Lyle, this one program alone represents around 60,000 meals. With 38 centers around Greater New York, centers like Spring Valley were able to provide around 10 million meals last year.

Each Army center tailors their programs to the needs of the community. Lyle has identified food insecurity as the most pressing issue facing Rocklanders. “In just one year, the Salvation Army in this region saw a 78% increase in their need for food,” stated Lyle. Lyle recalled a fresh produce giveaway run by the Army, where over the course of several weeks he had seen anywhere from fifty to one hundred people lining up to receive fresh produce. He plans to continue supporting the mobile meal services and working to provide meals to Rocklanders. The way Lyle sees it, “They keep coming back, so we’re going to keep showing up.”

This phrase perfectly encapsulates Lyle’s mentality around the Salvation Army. “Where the greatest need is, that’s where the Army is… We meet human needs without discrimination and we do the most good with what people give us. It comes right in, goes right out, and that’s pretty wonderful.” Even with a quarter of a century dedicated to service, Lyle’s determination and care for others doesn’t seem to have waned an ounce. He is clearly lit up by the impact he is able to have on his community by being a part of this Army for good.

Rocklanders wanting to be a part of the good can go to learn more about volunteering or donating at easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-new-york/ or by calling 845-352-9577.