YOUNGSTOWN — Two organizations are working to ensure people have food, as new protocols and closings are announced to combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Mahoning Valley Second Harvest Food Bank and The Salvation Army in Mahoning County have been distributing food to those in need as workplaces and schools have closed.

“A lot of people are struggling and we are committed to maintaining a safety net to them,” said Mike Iberis, executive director of Second Harvest.

To help offset the need, The Salvation Army has been offering lunches daily 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Youngstown location, 1509 Glenwood Ave.

“We’re doing lunches five days a week, but boxed lunches for anyone who needs them,” said Maj. Paul Moore.

Each day lunch is different, but a fresh produce and snack are included, Moore said.

Iberis said Second Harvest is working to supply its 160-some agencies that include soup kitchens, pantries and schools in the Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

To help get food to people in the Valley, Iberis said the food bank is actively soliciting more food. There is a roughly six-to-eight-week supply at the warehouse in Youngstown.

Second Harvest Food Bank can be reached at 330-792-5522. General inquiries may be emailed to becky miller@shfbmv.org. On its website there also is a “Donate” link.

The Salvation Army will take food or monetary donations, mailed to the Glenwood address, Moore said.

As residents wait to hear which industries are ordered to temporarily shut down, Iberis said the food bank will keep up its duty.

“Unless we are ordered to shut down by the governor or a law enforcement agency, the staff is committed to continue to do their work,” he said.

Lending a hand Friday were two volunteers at the food bank warehouse, Yahsar Ahmaed and James Naples.

Ahmaed, from Liberty, has been volunteering for a year while Naples of Youngstown began volunteering about a month ago.

As he bagged oranges, Naples smiled as he said: “Maybe people will appreciate what they have” once the pandemic runs its course.

Both men began volunteering because there is a need, they agreed.

“The Valley needs volunteers, so I thought, ‘why not?'” Ahmaed said.

afox@tribtoday.com