Last year, the Salvation Army in Vicksburg served 50,300 meals and 87,020 snacks to people in need.

The Mission 66 Diner, the Salvation Army’s primary food assistance program, serves hot lunches every weekday.

One of the lunch recipients Elaine Melton said the program is invaluable.

“It’s a really good place and they provide a lot of people food to eat who I don’t think otherwise would have anything,” she said.

Melton said people depend on the Salvation Army.

“I think there would be people who would go hungry if this place wasn’t here,” she said.

Melton said she appreciates that the diner is clean and the people are friendly.

“I’ve appreciated it,” she said. “I’ve come here for two years.”

Melton said with the Salvation Army’s recent financial woes, she hopes the diner doesn’t disappear.

“I’d like to see them continue to be here,” she said. “I sure need them. It helps my food bill.”

Melton said she’s made friends at the Salvation Army and it’s nice to go and talk with people during lunch.

Server Mattie Robinson has been serving for more than five years.

“When the other captain was here I asked him if I could volunteer,” she said. “He put me in the kitchen.”

Robinson said she didn’t intend on working in the kitchen originally, but it has all worked out.

“I love it,” she said. “I don’t miss a day of it until vacation time in November.”

Robinson said during her vacation travels she doesn’t really take a break.

“When I go up to Boston and New Hampshire they want me to do the same thing,” she said. “I’ll be gone for like three weeks. I went to the Bahamas, and I went to the Salvation Army too. They’re a lot different from us.”

The diner helps the community, but it especially helps local children, Robinson said.

“I think this program does wonders for the community,” she said. “Sometimes the only meal some of them get is here, especially now that school is out and the kids come here and get lunch because they know they’re not going to get it at home.”

Mission 66 Diner sponsors include Episcopal Church of the Holy Trinity, Crawford Street Church, First Presbyterian Church, Crossway Church, Triumph Church, Elevate Church, Morning Star and Ameristar Casino.

To donate to the Salvation Army send a check to 530 Mission 66, Vicksburg, MS 39183, or to make a donation online, visit www.salvationarmyalm.org/vicksburg.

The Salvation Army also accepts donations of clothing, shoes and furniture to sell in its thrift store. Old, unusable clothing goes into bales, which the Salvation Army is able to sell as well.