The Mystic Valley Salvation Army has expanded and reconfigured operations at its food pantry in Malden.
In addition to offering more storage space, the new pantry will now allow Salvation Army patrons to choose their own items from the shelves. Patrons previously received grocery bags packed by volunteers, but Lt. James Labbe of the Mystic Valley Salvation Army said the new system is more efficient and user friendly.
“Families from Malden, Medford and Everett were given a bag of groceries, packed by volunteers with balanced meals in mind from the stock on the shelves,” Labbe said. “The challenge was that the people who would use those groceries to prepare meals couldn’t select what they needed most or what their family members would eat.”
Speaking at a rededication ceremony for the pantry on March 23, Labbe said the idea of switching to a pantry where patrons could “shop” for their own items came about shortly after he and his wife, Captain Joy Labbe, were appointed to Malden last July.
The new pantry was previously an under-utilized library, which was converted by volunteers earlier this year. A pair of new freezer/refrigerator units were also added, giving more cold storage space. There’s also an area for fresh produce, something that wasn’t available previously.
Among those speaking at the rededication ceremony was state Sen. Katherine Clark, who termed hunger an important issue.
Citing statistics from the Greater Boston Food Bank, Clark said one in nine families in the Bay State struggle with food insecurity, saying that rate is even higher for children. The food bank distributes approximately 34 million pounds of food annually to relief agencies like the Salvation Army, up 23 percent from 2005.
“It’s not the numbers that matter, it’s the people behind the numbers,” said Clark. “What this… really demonstrates is that all of us at some point in our lives needs a hand up—and this store treats people who come here with the dignity and respect that we all hope and deserve.”
Those sentiments were echoed by Jonathan Tatro of the Greater Boston Food Bank. He termed food pantries like the one in Malden important partners, saying they distribute 60 percent of the Greater Boston Food Bank’s food.
Also speaking to the importance of the Salvation Army’s mission were Malden Mayor Gary Christenson and Medford Mayor Michael McGlynn.
Officials also heard from Paul SooHoo, a 30-year Malden resident who has used the pantry while loving on a fixed income the past couple of years. He said the changes were for the better.
“I love the new food pantry,” he said. “It’s well organized, the instructions are easy to follow, and I am given the happy opportunity to decide what food we will enjoy. I no longer have to take unwanted food.”
Looking ahead, the Labbes said they are planning to upgrade and update the facility’s kitchen area, which is used for the Salvation Army’s meals programs.
“That’s our next big project,” said Joy Labbe, who added they plan to get moving on that this spring.
Located at 213 Main St., the Mystic Valley Salvation Army serves Everett, Malden, and Medford.