Salvation Army Coos Bay Corps opens new food market

COOS BAY, Ore. — The ribbon cutting for the Salvation Army Coos Bay Corps’ Hope Market Tuesday morning brings with it just that; hope for those facing economic challenges in the community.

“It’s an actual God send for me because we’re in hard times right now. I’m in the middle of jobs, so this helps out a lot feeding the family and getting through, so it’s a real inspiration for me,” said Hope Market client Samuel Mullins.

Previously, the Coos Bay Corps gave away food boxes each week with the help of the South Coast Food Share.

The Corps transformed what was a one size fits all food box, where some items would go unused, into an opportunity for their clients to come in and choose their own items and shop with dignity.

“It’s really great. It lets me take what I’m going to use so I don’t waste anything,”

It was an idea current staff and the previous leadership shared with the Corps’ new majors, David and Erin Kauffman, who took over earlier this year.

“When we arrived here in February, we spoke to the staff, we spoke to the advisory board members. This room used to be our storage room for the food items, and we built a beautiful store. We had the grocery carts donated by McKay’s,” said Major Erin. “We called the food bank and said we need more food, and so everybody came together to build this beautiful client choice Hope Market store.”

Now, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., guests can come in, sign up, and select items from each shelf based on their family size and food avaibility including non perishable foods, produce, meats, dairy items, and personal care products like diapers, toiletries, and animal foods.

“Everyone is in need of help. In need of food, in need of items that they can’t get to. With our opening, people can come in and shop. They can use what they need instead of things going to waste,” said Elena Bankhead, Corps volunteer.

Major Erin says they’re now preparing to receive food deliveries from the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints to beef up their food offerings.

They also provide supports like utility assistance and clothing vouchers on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

They’re located at 1155 Flanagan Ave., Coos Bay.