Just before 9 a.m. on Dec. 6, 1917, in the harbor of Halifax, Nova Scotia, a fully loaded French munitions ship collided with a Norwegian steamer, sparking the most devastating human-made explosion of the pre-atomic age. The Great Halifax Explosion, as it came to be known, killed more than 1,800 people, injured another 9,000 and destroyed half the city, including some 1,600 homes.
Those looking for a silver lining to this tragedy may find it here: the event was the origin of the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services Program, which, 100 years later, has grown into a vast international network with thousands of trained volunteers, responding to everything from house fires to major catastrophic events across the globe.
The cornerstone of this program? The emergency mobile kitchen, or canteen, utilized by the Salvation Army in disasters and emergency situations all over the world. And now, thanks in part to a Community Impact Grant from the United Way of Southeast Alaska, Juneau — and, by extension, the entire Alexander Archipelago — has one of its own.
“Canteens form the basis of the Salvation Army Disaster Ministry,” said Lt. Lance P. Walters, Corps Officer of the Salvation Army Juneau Citadel Corps. “They let us get right to the people in need, right to the place they need it.”
Emblazoned with a sign reading “Given to the people of Alaska,” the canteen gives new meaning to the phrase “meals-on-wheels.” It’s a 26-foot-long truck, outfitted with a full commercial kitchen featuring an oven, a grill, pantries, stainless steel prep areas, giant urns for coffee and other hot beverages, wash water, drinking water and separate stations for hand-washing and dish cleaning.
For years, the Salvation Army Corps in Anchorage and Fairbanks have been operating mobile emergency kitchens to provide support during flooding and wildfires — in 2015 one such canteen served nearly 4,000 meals to Willow residents evacuated during the Sockeye fire. Juneau’s canteen, refurbished and relocated from Anchorage, marks the first in Southeast Alaska; it’s the state’s third.
“Up in the Interior, the Salvation Army regularly dispatches mobile food units to first responders and disaster survivors,” Lt. Walters said. “We really felt we needed one in the Capital City.”
Although the truck is based in Juneau — specifically, it’s parked behind the Salvation Army Family Store at 500 W. Willoughby Ave. — the canteen can readily be deployed by ferry throughout the region. This allows for rapid mobilization to Southeast Alaska’s more remote, geographically isolated communities.
“In the past, it would’ve taken several days for a mobile kitchen to drive down from up north,” said Lt. Walters.
Not anymore. Aside from winter months, when the water tanks must be drained to prevent freezing, the Salvation Army keeps the canteen in a constant state of readiness. In a matter of hours — or, in Juneau, minutes — the Salvation Army can deliver food and hydration to survivors and first responders, alike.
“Obviously, no one ever hopes for a disaster,” Lt. Walters said, listing avalanches, earthquakes and tidal waves among the most potential emergencies in Southeast Alaska.
“Still, it’s prudent to stay prepared,” he continued, “so when something does happen, we’re all set to go.”
Thankfully, the mobile kitchen has yet to be used in an emergency situation. However, the Salvation Army brought it to last year’s earthquake simulator in Juneau, serving hot dogs and drinks. It also plans to be part of the Juneau-Douglas Fourth of July parades, as well as beach picnics and other community events, if for no other reason than to raise community awareness.
“Plus, it keeps our skills sharp at running the thing,” said Lt. Walters.
The canteen, he explained, is almost entirely staffed by volunteers, both from the Salvation Army congregation and the community at large, as well as through organizations such as the Moose Lodge, which has offered cooks as well as its own commercial kitchen to the effort.
“One of many great things about this community (is that) everyone pulls together,” he said.
Of course, the United Way was also quick to jump on board. Its Community Impact Grant helps stock the mobile kitchen with soups and other dry goods, bottled water, propane and fuel, in addition to funding regular truck maintenance and use permits, when necessary.
“It’s wonderful any time anyone supports any public service initiative,” said Lt. Walters. “We’re especially grateful to the United Way for embracing this new community resource.”
Anyone can be trained to staff the mobile emergency kitchen, which includes both Salvation Army instruction and Alaska Department of Health certification in safe and proper food handling.
“Most importantly, the mobile emergency kitchen delivers emotional support at a very stressful time,” Lt. Walters said. “Even something as seemingly small as a hot drink can provide immeasurable comfort.”
• “Feeding People Affected by Disaster: The Salvation Army Emergency Mobile Kitchen” appears courtesy of United Way of Southeast Alaska as part of a project profiling the achievements of its Community Impact Grant Recipients. To learn more about “Living United,” the United Way of Southeast Alaska or any of its partner agencies visit www.unitedwayseak.org.
