Client choice pantry opens in Hobbs

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Facility offers new approach to food distribution in the community.

The Salvation Army Hobbs Corps Community Center introduced a new way for families in need in the community to receive food—a client choice pantry opened after a ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 13.

Any resident of Lea County who is low income or who has a verifiable crisis can shop at the pantry, which will offer select canned goods, fresh produce and frozen items.

Hobbs Corps Officer Major Lisa Smith (right) and Assistant Corps Officer Lt. Laura Loomis (left) with The Salvation Army Southwest Divisional Secretary For Business Major David Yardley.

“The Client Choice Pantry is designed to help people develop healthier food decisions and better resource management skills,” said Corps Officer Major Lisa Smith. “The pantry gives the dignity of choosing foods they like to eat, rather than getting a prepackaged food box with items they may not use or know how to prepare.”

During the registration process, each client will be issued points based on household size. Items in the store will have point values assigned, with healthier items having a lower point value, in order to encourage healthier food choices.

One of the first clients of the day shops at the Client Choice Pantry.

The pantry is a model becoming more prevalent across the Western Territory. Smith is thankful for the support that made the pantry possible and hopes it will lead to even better things to come.

“Our heartfelt thanks to the J.F. Maddox Foundation and private donors for making the pantry a reality,” said Smith. “It is our hope that this program design will grow into a life skills curriculum consisting of courses such as cooking and nutrition, personal finance, health education and even adult literacy. Our prayer is that we will be able to form deeper, more positive relationships with our clients and be seen as people who can help educate and counsel them.”

At the ribbon cutting: (l-r) Local volunteer Nellie Piñon, Hobbs Corps Officer Major Lisa Smith, Advisory Board Member Kim Wheeler, Family Services Program Aid Amanda Pena.

To volunteer at the center, visit Hobbs.SalvationArmy.org.

Comments 36

  1. We have been doing this for 5 years now here in Redlands Salvation Army Corps “Manna From Heaven”

  2. We have been doing this for 5 years now here in Redlands Salvation Army Corps “Manna From Heaven”

  3. It’s so wonderful to read of this transition being made in multiple locations. I pray the ‘Client Choice Pantry’ proves to be a very successful ministry – Praise the Lord!

    @Mike Delgado – that great! It must be going well if you’ve been doing it for 5 years – Congratulations!

  4. It’s so wonderful to read of this transition being made in multiple locations. I pray the ‘Client Choice Pantry’ proves to be a very successful ministry – Praise the Lord!

    @Mike Delgado – that great! It must be going well if you’ve been doing it for 5 years – Congratulations!

  5. I’d like to 70 food pantry at the church that I belong to the left or to God in Christ in Vallejo California my name is Monica Wright my phone number is area code 510 619-4834

    1. Hi Monica, Thank you for your message. I’ll need a little bit more information before I can send your message to the location nearest you. Can you please clarify – would you like to donate to The Salvation Army’s food pantry? Thank you!

  6. I’d like to 70 food pantry at the church that I belong to the left or to God in Christ in Vallejo California my name is Monica Wright my phone number is area code 510 619-4834

    1. Hi Monica, Thank you for your message. I’ll need a little bit more information before I can send your message to the location nearest you. Can you please clarify – would you like to donate to The Salvation Army’s food pantry? Thank you!

  7. I would love to know where you can actually get food help from concerning your organization. I sent an email asking for food help. I have the email as proof. I was never responded to. I’ve never ask for help from the Salvation Army for food before. I called three separate Salvation Army near me, and was told they don’t have a food pantry, and didn’t know where one was that helped with food. My income was cut by 60% due to the virus. I was only asking for help for one time, and couldn’t get any help.

    1. Hi Jerri,
      I’m so sorry that you’ve had this experience. Thank you for your message and the opportunity to help. Can you please email new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org and provide your city, state and zip code so I can connect you with the correct location?
      Best,
      Cory

  8. I would love to know where you can actually get food help from concerning your organization. I sent an email asking for food help. I have the email as proof. I was never responded to. I’ve never ask for help from the Salvation Army for food before. I called three separate Salvation Army near me, and was told they don’t have a food pantry, and didn’t know where one was that helped with food. My income was cut by 60% due to the virus. I was only asking for help for one time, and couldn’t get any help.

    1. Hi Jerri,
      I’m so sorry that you’ve had this experience. Thank you for your message and the opportunity to help. Can you please email new.frontier@usw.salvationarmy.org and provide your city, state and zip code so I can connect you with the correct location?
      Best,
      Cory

  9. I need assistance with my son with food and seeking a room mate due to COVID and not enough income to survived

  10. When is the next food given in lawrenceville Georgia? Thanks for all you do for us. The food has been such a blessing

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