The Salvation Army’s Women’s Home League will hold its first cookout and food drive on Wednesday at its 400 Bank St. location.

Wendy Ali, a Salvation Army employee, said the cookout has the dual purpose of raising money for the women’s ministry projects and bringing in food for the Salvation Army’s food pantry.

“We’re trying to raise some funds and provide services to the community,” she said. The Women’s Home League uses funds for gifts at nursing homes and other facilities in the community.

In addition, the Salvation Army is trying to get an influx of food for its pantry during a time of year when many don’t think about donating food.

“We get a lot in at Christmas time, but we go through a lot fast,” she said.

The cookout will feature lunch plates for a $2 donation, or a $1 donation with a nonperishable food item. Donated food should not be expired or dented. Items most needed include canned meats, canned and boxed meals and peanut butter, Ali said.

There will also be a clothing and shoe giveaway, vendors, children’s crafts, arm painting — to reduce the chance of the artwork being ruined by sweat — the fire and police departments and Ident-A-Kid.

The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. If it rains, the event will be moved inside the community center’s gymnasium.

Ali said the event was scheduled for a weekday for the first time and, “if it goes good, we might move it to a weekend.”

For more information, call 539-5201.