WHEELING — The local Salvation Army has a need to fill its shelves with food items before summer comes, and school partners assisting them in their effort.

This week, the Salvation Army kicks off its “Shield Against Hunger” food drive which is set to run March 7-21.

Public schools in Ohio and Marshall counties, as well as Wheeling Central Catholic High School and The Linsly School will serve as locations where food items can be donated. Food can also be dropped off at the Salvation Army administrative offices at 140-16th St., Wheeling, or 248 Jefferson Ave. in Moundsville.

The local Salvation Army serves Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler counties.

“Last year, almost 4,000 pounds of food was collected, and it got us into early fall,” said Nathan Blake, community relations director for the local Salvation Army. “But we’ve seen an increased need this year, and we think it will take 6,000 pounds of food to do the same.”

With the Christmas holiday season complete, the Salvation Army is now gearing up for the end of the school year, he continued.

“Kids are home in summertime, and there is an increased need for food,” Blake said. “This is about gearing up for summer.”

The Salvation Army is seeking notation of any non-perishable food items. He noted the organization is specifically in need of canned vegetables, rice, pasta noodles, boxed macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and spaghetti sauce — in cans, not glass jars.

Blake said at each of the schools individual classrooms collect for the “Shield Against Hunger” campaign. After the campaign ends on March 21, the Salvation Army will go collect the items.

The food gathered during this year’s Shield Against Hunger food drive will help to feed not only those seeking food assistance but also those participating in youth and senior programming at The Salvation Army.

Lt. John Lawrence said this food drive is pivotal to The Salvation Army’s ability to meet the need for food gaps in the community.

“This is our biggest food drive of the year,” he said. “We’ve seen a sharp increase in the number of requests for food over the past year, particularly for items that are non-perishable like rice, noodles, and canned vegetables.

“We’re hoping that the food donated to our Shield Against Hunger campaign will be able to stock our shelves well into fall. We believe that partnering with our local school systems is the best way to make sure this is a success because they are closest to the need.”

There are many ongoing opportunities to volunteer and get involved at The Salvation Army during the year. Those interested should call 304-233-4400, visit the Salvation Army offices at 140 16th St. in Wheeling and 248 Jefferson Ave. in Moundsville, or go to wheeling.salvationarmypotomac.org to find out how they can support The Salvation Army year-round.