New Salvation Army Space Brings Hope and Dignity Amid Rising Food Insecurity
In recent years, The Salvation Army in Neepawa, Man., has seen a rise in demand for community services. Higher grocery and gas prices are affecting more families, causing financial hardship that can lead to food insecurity.
“In 2022, we served around 20 families monthly and last month we had over 80,” explains Amanda Naughton-Gale, community ministries director.
“I think it really gives dignity and autonomy to our clients.”
The consistent growth in clients, combined with feedback from residents, led to the expansion of Salvation Army services.
“We had a local consultation during our strategic plan and identified the things the town needed,” Amanda says.
With the expansion came significant changes. In the past, the food bank operated out of the thrift store, making the process somewhat more public. Now, there is a separate entrance and the experience is more dignified for guests.
“Our very first clients that walked through the new building said, ‘Wow. This is so great,’” Amanda shares. “They mentioned it resembled a grocery store.”
With the new system, food bank guests have more freedom to choose the items they need.
“I think it really gives dignity and autonomy to our clients,” Amanda says.
The expanded facility also includes a new community kitchen and meeting area, creating opportunities for educational workshops and get-togethers.
“Our influence in the community matters.”
“This space will allow us to provide different programming related to food security and literacy. We can also use it for small gatherings,” Amanda adds.
To make the project a reality, many partnerships came together to provide support. Grants from provincial and government organizations, along with local donations, helped fund the expansion.
“We really could not have done the project at all without that,” Amanda says. “People definitely were seeing that we needed a new space and that our influence in the community matters.”
Looking ahead, Amanda hopes The Salvation Army in Neepawa will continue to be a place that brings hope to families who come through its doors.
“I would love to see this as a space for the entire community, that this isn’t just a place to come and get food,” she says. “It is a place to build fellowship, get to know people and learn. We want to be warm and welcoming to everyone.”
By Juan Romero
