'We’re giving people a choice': Not your typical food pantry opens in Naples

NAPLES, Fla. —

Meals of Hope has opened a new choice mobile food pantry in Naples, designed to resemble a mini market, to help families struggling with rising costs.

The grand opening of the 26-foot pantry aims to make a significant difference for families facing food insecurity.

"I got eggs, cantaloupe, tuna fish, macaroni and cheese, and some other stuff," said Lewis Arnold, a Naples resident.

Inside, the pantry is set up like a small grocery store where people can walk through and pick what they need, from fresh produce to dairy, protein, canned goods, rice, cereal and more. Instead of being handed a pre-packed box, they get to choose, making the experience more personal and dignified.

"Hunger is a silent epidemic, not just in southwest Florida, but all over the country as well. And it's, and I think people don't realize the people that we're serving, very few homeless people, very few people that are unemployed," said Stephen Popper, Meals of Hope CEO. "We're really working and serving the underemployed. These are people that are working hard, and they just can't make ends meet."

The pantry is expected to serve about 150 families each week, making it easier to access by bringing the food to neighborhoods.

"And it’s really needed, because things are tough right now. Prices have gone up, and every time you can get something for your home, you feel better," said Alberto, a Naples resident.

The mobile choice pantry will be at the River Park Community Center parking lot every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon.

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