Merrick Community Services is excited to announce the return of in person shopping at our Food Shelf earlier this month. Participants can once again browse shelves, choose the foods that best fit their households, and experience the personal agency that comes with selecting items firsthand.
This shift marks an important milestone for Merrick. As Food Shelf Manager Brad Cairns shared, in person shopping restores a core value of our work: respecting the dignity and autonomy of our participants. “If two people went into a grocery store, we would come out with two very different carts because we all like different things.” When people can choose their own food—rather than receiving a pre‑packed box—they’re able to select items that fit their tastes, cultural traditions, and dietary needs. This not only honors personal choice, but also significantly reduces food waste and allows Merrick to offer a wider variety of foods to choose from.
In person shopping also transforms the volunteer experience. Volunteers now have the opportunity to interact more with our shoppers. Brad noted, “Instead of just pre-bagging food, our volunteers are out on the floor helping people, greeting people, answering questions… there’s a lot more opportunity for us to welcome our participants.”
Participants have already shared their appreciation for the change, expressing excitement over having the opportunity to select the foods that are best for them.
This transition was made possible through the leadership of Brad Cairns and a team of MCS staff and longtime volunteers whose experience and insight helped shape the return to this self-service model.
In person shopping is now available Mondays from 3–5 p.m., and Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Drive‑through service will continue Thursdays from 10 a.m.–12 p.m. for those who prefer or need that option.
