The Twin Cities Salvation Army is expanding three of its food shelves to serve homeless teens starting Monday. The goal is to help young people avoid putting themselves at risk to get food.
The Salvation Army cites a study that found that nearly one in four homeless youth has engaged in "survival sex," trading a sex act to meet a basic need such as food or shelter. Typical visitors to the food shelves — two in St. Paul and one in Maplewood — most likely will be 18- to 21-year-olds, living on the street or at friends' homes.
Visits to the food shelves won't require an ID or a permanent address, and the teens will be allowed to pick out their own food, the Salvation Army said.
The food shelves are open 3 to 5 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, 1019 Payne Av., St. Paul; Tuesdays, 401 W. 7th St., St. Paul, and Wednesdays, 2080 Woodlynn Av., Maplewood.
To donate, go to www.SalvationArmyNorth.org. Offerings of easy-to-prepare, single-serve foods are encouraged.
Maria Reeve
@mdougreeve
