SPOKANE, Wash. — A new food bank has reopened in the Spokane community, and it looks a little different than how you’d think.
The Salvation Army has renovated its food bank, now called Hope Market, offering families a grocery shopping experience rather than traditional food distribution.
The facility on 222 E. Indiana Avenue reopened this week after closing last May for renovations. The expanded space allows the organization to serve up to 1,500 Spokane families with free groceries.
“This extra room allows us to really offer dignity and more room and more options for the families and individuals that are seeking assistance,” said Captain David Cain, Salvation Army executive director.
One volunteer expressed his appreciation.
“The other store…it was pretty small. Pretty crowded. And this is like a normal supermarket now. It’s pretty cool,” said Rick Daily, a volunteer at Hope Market.
The new food pantry offers nearly everything found in a traditional grocery store, including canned goods, snacks, fresh meat and even protein powder. The shopping experience allows clients to select their own items with the help of volunteers who guide them through the market and bag their groceries.
Community members who receive assistance said the new layout feels more welcoming.
“This is the beginning place, the beginning place for life change for individuals and families that are experiencing crisis. We want to introduce them to hope,” said Captain Cain.
Hope Market is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can visit the food bank up to twice in one month.
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