Partner Agency Highlight – Client Choice Food Pantry
The Idaho Foodbank is thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of The Salvation Army in Boise’s new Client Choice Food Pantry. Instead of receiving a pre-packed box, families can now walk through the pantry, browse the shelves, and select the fresh, canned, and frozen items that best fit their household’s needs.
This reopening has been years in the making. Before the pandemic, The Salvation Army offered a walk‑through pantry model, but COVID‑19 safety needs required a shift to drive‑thru distribution. While effective, the drive‑thru system meant families couldn’t always choose the foods they preferred or would use. Staff often heard from people who wished they could return items they knew they wouldn’t eat. Bringing back a choice‑based experience has long been a goal and the success of their seasonal produce markets—where neighbors could select their own fruits and vegetables—reinforced how meaningful choice can be. Now, with the full pantry reopened, families can shop in a welcoming, grocery store‑style environment.
Beyond food assistance, The Salvation Army in Boise provides a wide range of services, including job readiness, financial literacy and life‑skills classes, heating and utility assistance, and their annual toy distribution paired with holiday food boxes. They also share information about additional community resources to help families navigate challenging times. Their pantry moves an estimated 20,000 pounds of food each month.
Funded in part by the City of Boise and proudly part of The Idaho Foodbank’s partner network, this pantry represents a meaningful step forward in supporting neighbors with dignity and respect.