Salvation Army Reopening Centralia Food Bank for In-Person Shopping on May 8

The Chronicle, Centralia, Wash.
·2 min read

May 3—While it was still operational during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Salvation Army Food Bank — located at 303 N. Gold St. in Centralia — was essentially only open for carry-out. Clients had to fill out order forms that shoppers then took and fulfilled, delivering the order to the client's car once completed.

Now remodeled, the Salvation Army is preparing for a grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the food bank on May 8 at 10 a.m., according to a news release.

Because clients couldn't go into the food bank in-person during the pandemic, the food bank had less foot traffic inside, which allowed staff to repair and renovate the food bank in preparation for its grand reopening. Completed upgrades include a new, larger freezer, new shelving and storage throughout the facility as well as updated floors and walls.

"We are all very excited to see people back inside and able to experience the in-person shopping again," Salvation Army Captain Gin Pack said in the release. "It's really an opportunity to serve others in a way that makes sense for them. Not only is it beautiful, but now it's back to being completely functional."

According to the Salvation Army's last annual report, the Centralia food bank fulfilled more than $15,000 worth of food box orders.

"To see such big things happen in this space with this amazing staff, it's really an indication of what we can do when we work together. We truly are better together," Pack said in the release.

Members of the Salvation Army's Northwest Divisional Headquarters will be on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and light refreshments will be provided as clients will have the opportunity to peruse the food bank's selection in person for the first time since 2020.

The Salvation Army is a nonprofit organization that aims to help people overcome poverty and recover from disasters through a variety of emergency and social services. For more information, visit https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/.