There’s now a new option for community members in need: a food pantry that will let them choose their own items.

The Salvation Army has launched Globe’s first client choice food pantry, at their Globe Service Center. In lieu of a traditional food box, the pantry lets shoppers select nutritious items they like and can prepare – though emergency food boxes will still be available at the center.

According to CensusReporter.org, 32% of Gila County children under 18 are below the poverty line, and the website Feeding America reported 14% food insecurity in the county.

“Those figures are why we believe the community needs this food pantry, so we are thrilled to provide this supplemental food program for our neighbors in need,” Yvette Angulo, director of The Salvation Army Globe Service Center, said in a media release. “The Salvation Army is extremely grateful to the Emergency Food and Shelter Program, Molina Healthcare and Freeport-McMoRan for helping make this dream a reality.”

The new pantry held its grand opening with a Sept. 25 ribbon cutting ceremony. Speakers included Colonel Olin Hogan, director of The Salvation Army’s Southwest Divisional Service Extension, Globe Mayor Al Gameros and Minnie Andrade, Arizona Plan President of Molina Healthcare.

“There seemed to be a real need in the community, and we wanted to meet it,” Hogan told the Silver Belt. “This is a really good step forward.”

The pantry, located at The Salvation Army Globe Service Center, 161 E. Cedar St., will be open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will offer cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, frozen meat options and more. Angulo said the center is acquiring a freezer and cooling units to store meats and frozen vegetables, for additional healthy eating options. She added that they would look into offering fresh vegetables at some point in the future. 

Shoppers must make an appointment, which can be arranged by calling the center at 928-425-4011, and can go to the pantry once a month. Shopping is based on a point system, with each food item assigned a certain number of points; people are given points based on need and how often they shop at the pantry. Angulo said the pantry will also assist the homeless.

“We won’t turn anyone away,” she told the Silver Belt.

Food donations and other forms of support are welcome at the Globe Service Center’s new pantry.

“We count on the community to help the community, and they’ve always been generous,” said Hogan.