Salvation Army Nampa expands services to provide 950 meals weekly and 24-hour shelter plans

The City Council of Nampa, Idaho, held a special meeting on May 21, 2025, focusing on community support services, particularly for seniors and the homeless population. Key discussions included updates from Meals on Wheels and the Salvation Army regarding their meal and shelter programs.

Meals on Wheels representatives reported that they deliver meals three times a week, providing one hot meal and one frozen meal each delivery day. They serve approximately 120 meals daily, catering to around 130 active members, though not all members utilize the service every day. The organization emphasized the importance of their service for seniors, although they noted challenges in determining how many seniors are completely dependent on their meals.

Captain Allison Strzok from the Salvation Army highlighted significant expansions in their sheltering services. Since September 2024, the organization increased its meal offerings from two meals four days a week to three meals daily, now serving around 950 meals weekly. The day shelter operates from 7 AM to 7 PM, providing a safe space for individuals to access laundry, showers, and case management services. The Salvation Army is seeking Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to further expand their sheltering services, particularly to keep the day shelter open 24 hours during the coldest months.

The meeting underscored the critical role these organizations play in supporting vulnerable populations in Nampa, with a focus on enhancing their services to meet growing community needs. The City Council's continued support for these initiatives will be vital as they seek to address food insecurity and homelessness in the area.