Shopping with Dignity 

by Warren L. Maye 

Choice pantries help foster a sense of dignity among the individuals and families they serve. Seeing this positive effect, The Salvation Army Northwest Ohio Area Services aimed to enhance the experience to make sure their beneficiaries feel loved and valued within their community. To achieve this goal, they undertook an extensive renovation of their social service department in Toledo, completely gutting and redesigning the space to better meet the needs of those who rely on their services. 

A significant aspect of this project was the rebranding initiative that transformed what was previously known simply as the Choice Pantry into a vibrant new facility called Sally’s Market. This innovative market concept not only provides beneficiaries with access to essential daily items but also creates an inviting environment where they can “shop” for fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins. Beyond that, Sally’s Market offers cooking classes using ingredients available there, empowering families with skills and ideas for healthy meal preparation. 

An amazing transformation 

In collaboration with the Ohio State University Extension, which contributes by providing samples and recipes featuring products from Sally’s Market, Major Candy Fritsch, Northwest Ohio Area Services coordinator, envisioned a welcoming, grocery store–like atmosphere where mothers could confidently select nutritious options for their families. The transformation involved securing funding through several community grants to purchase necessary items such as shelving units, produce stands, market supplies—and even securing funds specifically designated for fresh produce and protein sources. 

At the grand opening, attendees were enthusiastic and genuinely impressed by what The Salvation Army has accomplished for its community members. One donor who was particularly moved to tears upon witnessing the transformation said, “I have never seen anything so beautiful. This will mean a lot to those who you serve.” Her words conveyed how The Salvation Army had created not just a food pantry but a place filled with care and compassion. 

With heads held high 

As is true across many food assistance programs today, The Salvation Army is observing an increasing number of working families seeking help during challenging times—often a situation they’d never anticipated facing. Major Fritsch emphasized her desire for these individuals not to enter feeling embarrassed or ashamed. Instead, she wants them to walk through those doors with pride, heads held high, understanding that everyone faces struggles at some point in life but also that support is available when needed most: “God always has our back.”