The Salvation Army in Neepawa, Manitoba, has opened a larger community services location, giving residents a more private and welcoming place to get help. The new space at 352 Mountain Avenue began serving the public on May 13, 2026, and has already seen strong use in its first month.
The 2,000-square-foot facility is attached to the existing Thrift Store and features a bright reception area, two private offices, and a community kitchen. The food bank now runs on a points-based shopping system, allowing people to choose their own groceries just like at a store instead of receiving a pre-packed hamper. Amanda Naughton-Gale, community ministries director for the Neepawa Salvation Army, said the design focuses on giving people dignity and privacy when they come for help.
The build was paid for with over $225,000 in community grants and donations. Funders include the Manitoba Government, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Farm Credit Canada, and the Town of Neepawa, among others. The expanded space responds to a real need: food bank visits in Neepawa have jumped nearly 60 percent over the last six years. The organization currently serves about 75 households every month, handing out roughly 5,000 pounds of food, and also runs a satellite location in nearby McCreary. In March 2026, a record 102 families used the food bank across both sites.
Neepawa has grown quickly, from around 3,600 people in 2011 to nearly 6,500 by 2026 estimates, a change driven in part by new families arriving from overseas. The old setup shared cramped space with the Thrift Store, which staff and residents said lacked privacy for people seeking assistance. The new layout is built to handle current demand and grow with the town. The Salvation Army is still raising $35,000 to keep food programs and community activities running strong through the rest of the year.
