As fall and winter approach, getting help with feeding a family can seem a daunting task. The Salvation Army and the At Risk Kids, or ARK Project, are some of the few places that are helping people in need–both have food programs and those that are designed to help the youth of Coos County.“I have supported the ARK and the Relief Nursery,” said Marshfield High School counselor Jessica Nickerson. “The relief nursery would provide support to families that needed extra support,and it was for a lot younger youth like babies and toddlers to provide intervention for them.”Both of these programs target vulnerable populations to help provide families and youth the resources they need to stay afloat. They also can help provide advocacy, when needed. Other organizations that help support those in need include Meals On Wheels, the Coos Bay Public Library, BEET Program, Equality Food Resources, Pacific Home Health And Hospice, and the South Coast Family Harbor.”Seeing the need and working with students that need support,” is one reason MHS counselor Jessica Sprague tries to giveback to the community.Some people don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from,and have never experienced the anxiety that comes with having bare kitchen cupboards.However, some people don’t have it that easy.Most students go to school and are grateful for the free breakfast and lunch the school provides; some students might go home to nothing at the table. The upcoming holiday season often means school breaks, and a gaping void in food resources.”Clients go in and grab what they need out of the food pantry for no cost,” said Shari McFadden, a staff member at Salvation Army. “The food pantry consists of hygiene products, fresh meats, canned products,dried products, and produce. The pantry is open on Tuesdays and also Thursdays from 9-11.”The school-based ARK program provides basic needs like advocacy, interventions, and help with homelessness up to age 21. Anyone living in an emergency or transitional shelter, a car, abandoned building, a motel, RV park, campgrounds or unsuitable living conditions can qualify.“We have a clothing closet, a pantry for food,” said ARK Project Assistant Sonia Novak. “We have a full kitten so they can cook their meals; we essentially work as a drop-in center, where you can get food,hygiene products, and showers. We are also helping people to afford driver’s ed.”