Welcome to the Community Health and Nutrition Department! At The Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region, we are committed to helping individuals and families improve their health and well-being through access to nutritious food and educational opportunities. Available year-round and open to all community members in need of health and nutrition support, our services focus on providing healthy food options while teaching practical ways to care for your body through food. We also offer health and nutrition classes, including cooking classes where you can follow our nutrition team through healthy, fun recipes hands-on! Additionally, we recognize the importance of addressing the unique health needs of seniors in our community through our Savvy Senior group, which connects individuals aged 60+ with old friends — and new ones!

Our Services
 

Food Assistance - For families in need of food support

The Choice Food Pantry

Our Choice Food Pantry allows families to select food based on their needs, offering fresh produce, dairy, protein, and other nutritious pantry staples. This service ensures that families have access to food that supports their health and well-being. Food selections are based on household size. Eligibility is determined by total household income based on 185% of Poverty, based on The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).

Key Features

• Fresh produce, dairy, and protein
• Pantry staples and family-friendly options
• Clients choose their food items to meet family needs
• Clients can schedule once every 30 days

Scheduling

• Appointments are required.
• The schedule opens on Thursday morning at 8am for scheduling the next week.
• For new clients: please schedule an appointment in-person or by calling (717) 233-6755. (Please do not leave a voicemail, this does not guarantee an appointment).
• For existing clients: you can call, or schedule in-person, or schedule online. To schedule online, you need your ServicePoint ID#. If you need this number, please contact the front office for assistance.
• Schedule will be posted here on Thursday morning at 8:00am https://www.timetosignup.com/tsahbgfoodpantry/

Emergency Food Boxes

Emergency Food Boxes are available during all normal business hours. If any client is in need of food in an emergent situation, this box provides dried goods, shelf stable milk, and protein.

Key Features

• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Shelf stable dairy
• Canned protein
• Clients can receive once every 30 days

For more information about our food assistance programs, call our main office at (717) 233-6755.

 

The Family Table Teaching Kitchen and Health Classes

Cooking Classes

Join us in our Teaching Kitchen for hands-on cooking classes that teach the basics of preparing nutritious meals. We focus on affordable, healthy ingredients, and practical skills to help you create balanced meals for you and your family. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to expand your skills, these classes are for you! They are free and open to the public!

Sign up here: Community Health & Nutrition Classes

Key Features

• Learn how to cook healthy, affordable meals
• Hands-on learning and practical tips
• Open to all skill levels

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. This material was partially funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) though the PA Department of Human Services (DHS).

Senior Programming – Savvy Seniors - For older adults in our community 60+

We offer specialized programming for seniors, including games, health and wellness seminars, exercise classes, field trips, and cooking classes. To learn more about our programs for seniors, visit our Savvy Seniors page.

Key Features

• Focused on health and wellness for older adults
• Exercise classes and nature walks
• Bible Study
• Tips for healthy aging and meal planning
• Community support for seniors

 

Our Community Gardens

At The Salvation Army Harrisburg, our Community Gardens are more than just places to grow fresh vegetables—they’re spaces of hope, healing, and connection.

Nestled right on our campus, these 36 raised-bed gardens bring together individuals and families from all walks of life to nurture not only the soil but also a sense of belonging. Together, we’re cultivating more than food—we’re growing a stronger, healthier Harrisburg.
 

What Our Gardens Offer:

• Fresh Produce: We grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that support healthy eating that goes directly into our food pantry.
• Education & Empowerment: We provide workshops and hands-on learning opportunities about gardening.
• Youth Engagement: Children and teens involved in our programs enjoy learning about nature, responsibility, and teamwork through garden activities.