This is great, and I hope they see a vast improvement in outcomes for their patrons! Our local food pantry moved to this model last year and it’s had a large impact for folks not having to see what was boxed up and then shop for what they didn’t get, which has helped those families keep to their budgets

This is a fantastic model for food banks. I volunteered at a distribution site in Texas that uses this model almost 15 years ago though, so I don’t know about “first-of-its-kind.” All food banks should offer this option though, imo. It really destigmatizes seeking help and enhances the dignity and self-respect of everyone involved. It also leads to more efficient use of donations, as people only take what they want to eat and leave what they don’t want for someone else.