'It's unparalleled': Massillon Salvation Army reopens food pantry to delight of patrons

Amy L. Knapp, The Independent
·4 min read
Judy Busby, a Salvation Army volunteer, shops with client Jason Harvey at the Massillon Salvation Army's choice food pantry.
Judy Busby, a Salvation Army volunteer, shops with client Jason Harvey at the Massillon Salvation Army's choice food pantry.

MASSILLON ‒ Jason Harvey needed just a little bit of help this month.

He was recently laid off and, without a steady paycheck, things were tight.

The father of a newborn and a 12-year-old stepdaughter knew where he could turn - the Massillon Salvation Army.

On Wednesday, Harvey was the first to shop at the Salvation Army's choice pantry after it reopened to the public. Salvation Army employees, board members and volunteers joined Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry for a grand reopening and ribbon cutting.

Since the pandemic, the pantry has continued to distribute food but offered curbside pickup instead of allowing clients to shop the pantry themselves.

Massillon Salvation Army: Capts. Brennen, Allison Hinzman assume command of Massillon facility

Capt. Allison Hinzman said the organization prefers to utilize the choice pantry rather than having volunteers select food for clients.

"It's better with the human-to-human contact and they get to shop for what they like," she said. "It's a more dignified way."

Longtime volunteer Judy Busby agrees, saying it was more difficult to decide what someone would like when packing bags.

"I would spend time thinking what can they make with this (can of food)? Do they have allergies? Do they like this?" she said.

Hinzman said the process also creates less waste because clients select items they enjoy and will eat.

Families using the Massillon Salvation Army choice pantry select items based on the size of their family. For instance, a family of four can choose three items from the baking section.
Families using the Massillon Salvation Army choice pantry select items based on the size of their family. For instance, a family of four can choose three items from the baking section.

Number of clients has grown 10% each month

Brenda Stottsberry, a case manager at the Salvation Army who runs the pantry, has seen an increase of about 10% in those seeking help each month since the pandemic began to ease.

Right now, the pantry supplies food to about 110 families, she said. Each receives roughly 28 pounds of food, including staples such as eggs, butter and milk, fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh meat. They also can select items such as tuna and peanut butter, cereal, bread and canned foods.

Families are welcome to shop once a month.

Residents in Massillon and surrounding areas can call to make an appointment to visit the pantry. Hinzman said if a non-resident seeks help, they will be directed to the location that can serve them.

More seniors are using the pantry, she said, since Social Security checks often barely cover necessities.

"Prices are going up and salaries are not," Hinzman said. "Some people think that coming to the pantry is almost shameful but there is no shame. This is why we are here."

Harvey said it is great to know help is available when needed.

"I don't like to use it unless I have to. Getting laid off from work we just needed a little help," he said. "I know there are others worse off than me that need the help. It's good for the community."

Judy Busby, a Salvation Army volunteer, shows client Jason Harvey the fresh food choices at the Massillon Salvation Army food pantry including butter, cheese and eggs.
Judy Busby, a Salvation Army volunteer, shows client Jason Harvey the fresh food choices at the Massillon Salvation Army food pantry including butter, cheese and eggs.

Improved space at Massillon Salvation Army pantry

Before reopening the pantry, the space was spruced up with some paint and redesigned to have a better flow.

The pantry also added a baking section to provide flour, sugar, cake mixes, puddings and other baking items.

The organization purchases items from a number of sources, including the Akron-Canton Food Bank and Buehler's Fresh Foods. They also receive items from a retail rescue program that provides pantries with food that doesn't make it on the shelf at grocery stores.

Local farmers help out during the growing season as do businesses like Peace, Love and Little Donuts.

"You never know what we are going to have," Hinzman said. "But there is usually something for everyone's tastes."

Visitors are escorted by an employee or volunteer to help guide clients and select items based on family size.

Busby escorted Harvey while he picked up some soups, flour and sugar, Muscle Milk, grapes, cucumbers, bread and meat. He also grabbed a few rolls of paper towels, lip balm for his fiancee and some books - provided by the Massillon Public Library - for his stepdaughter.

"I'm not the one who usually does the grocery shopping, but they had a great selection. It's unparalleled to other pantries," he said. "Some of the places you just get canned goods. It helps no matter what is it is but it's nice to be able to get fresh fruits and veggies and some fresh meat."

"This is so great for the community."

Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.

On Twitter @aknappINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Clients can now select groceries from Massillon Salvation Army