Binghamton Salvation Army Develops New Mobile Food Assistance

The Salvation Army has been preparing new mobile services to provide food assistance in the aftermath of a deadly attack at a community dinner in downtown Binghamton.

Captain Joseph Hansen said plans are being finalized to set up a soup kitchen at American Legion Post 80 on Main Street. He said that operation is scheduled to start next Tuesday.

Hansen said food pantries are being planned at the American Legion site and at two other locations.

The food pantry sites will be located at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center on Griswold Street and at the First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City on Floral Avenue.

Hansen told WNBF News the food pantry locations will start operating one day a week beginning on June 3.

He said "we're very happy to get back to providing services" to those who need assistance.

Hansen said additional volunteers will be need to help when services resume. People interested in volunteering may call (607) 722-2987.

Mayor Jared Kraham last week said following conversations with Salvation Army representatives, it was "very clear" that the operations at the agency's site at 131 Washington Street could not continue.

The Salvation Army already had been planning to relocate its Binghamton services to a recently-acquired property on the West Side. The new site is expected to be ready for use in October.

A 57-year-old Endicott man died after he was repeatedly stabbed during a dinner at the downtown facility on May 13. A 37-year-old Binghamton man was charged with murder in connection with the fatal assault.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.