Salvation Army expansion in Neepawa hailed as ‘a blessing’ to help the needy

NEEPAWA — The Salvation Army formally opened its expanded food bank and thrift store in Neepawa on Wednesday to help serve a growing demand for its services.

“We’re so excited and so blessed,” the group’s Neepawa community ministries director said after a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Mountain Avenue location.

“Our last space was very small, cramped, tiny and also operated out of the thrift store, so it really wasn’t a dignified way of coming in and accessing services,” Amanda Naughton-Gale said.

“This is really a warm and welcoming space — there’s a bit of privacy, a lot more dignity to it … I think the whole way that people are being served now is just so much better.”

The food bank portion of the expansion had grocery items stocked on shelves and inside a large fridge on Wednesday afternoon. The food included canned and dry goods, bread and dairy products.

The larger space provides more room for staff and volunteers to fill shelves and store extra product, such as a truckload of onions dropped off on Tuesday.

“(It) just makes a huge difference that we’re not tight and cramped. We don’t say no as much to a donation,” Naughton-Gale said.

The Salvation Army currently serves families three days a week at its Neepawa location.

March was the busiest month on record, with 102 families served in Neepawa and a satellite location in McCreary.

Usage started to spike around July 2025, Naughton-Gale said, going from 55 families a month to closer to 90 on average now.

“That takes a toll on the ability of what we can give our families, and it takes a toll on what’s available,” she said.

Projections show usage will continue to grow.

“We’re looking at usage of our food bank just skyrocketing, and with that means empty shelves, and we’re purchasing more food than ever before,” Naughton-Gale said.

The Salvation Army is always taking food and monetary donations to help it operate, including hosting a food drive later this month.

“Those monetary donations are so crucial at this time, and every food bank across our country is facing that same thing,” she said.

Neepawa Mayor Brian Hedley, one of the dignitaries who spoke at Wednesday’s ceremony, said the Salvation Army helps support the town’s short- and long-term needs, and the grand opening “marks an important milestone for the community.”

“It’s going to be of great benefit to the community,” Hedley told the Sun.

He said there would be “a large hole” for Neepawa if an organization like the Salvation Army didn’t exist.

“The community is going to benefit from that for years to come,” he said.

The Salvation Army’s area commander said the expansion brings hope to the community.

“We’re so blessed to have this — it’s been a long time coming, it’s been a lot of work,” David Hipperson said.

He said the grand opening is just the beginning for Neepawa.

» alambert@brandonsun.com