The Warrior Food Pantry’s reopening at Camp Humphreys strengthens community support for service members and military families in South Korea. The Oct. 30, 2026, ceremony marked the pantry’s recognition as a nonprofit organization, a new step for a service that began in November 2022.
Since its start, the pantry has provided food, diapers and personal hygiene products to more than 880 families and 3,700 individuals. Its organizers say the service helps ease the financial and logistical burdens of an overseas assignment, where families live far from home and their usual support networks.
Warrior Food Pantry Gains Nonprofit Recognition
The Warrior Food Pantry grew from a modest storage closet inside the Warrior Chapel into a dedicated facility. In spring 2024, the USAG Humphreys Directorate of Public Works worked with 2nd Infantry Division / ROK-U.S. Combined Division Soldiers to convert a former mailroom into a 1,160-square-foot pantry.
The team used repurposed materials, including extra floor tiles, and volunteer labor. The renovation cost just over $200. The nonprofit recognition now gives the pantry another step toward expanding community partnerships and sustaining services for military families.
Other local efforts also direct resources toward community needs, including Greenfield community grants for four organizations. An entrepreneur-led project has also received community backing, as described in this report on Sonura Care’s Boise award.
Volunteers Keep Services Available
Under Pantry Director Cyndi Grothe, the pantry operates entirely through community and American Red Cross volunteers. It offers nonperishable food, baby supplies, hygiene products and household essentials at no cost. Donations come from community organizations, 2ID/RUCD Unit Ministry Teams and Camp Humphreys Commissary.
During the holiday season, Soldiers and units organize food drives that contribute thousands of nonperishable items. Gen. Robert “Todd” S. Brown, commanding general of the 2nd Infantry Division / ROK-U.S. Combined Division, said that support for families is closely tied to readiness across the peninsula.
“But I’ve always believed that taking care of our people is just as important as preparing them for the fight,” Brown said.
Brown said leaders in the division often discuss readiness and the ability to “Fight Tonight.” He said taking care of service members and families matters just as much as preparing for a fight. “Because when Soldiers know someone has their back, when Soldiers know their family is cared for, Soldiers and their families can face just about anything,” Brown said.
Brown said overseas service can mean missing birthdays, holidays and important moments with loved ones. He described the pantry as part of a wider network of spouses, friends and neighbors that helps people through unexpected difficulties. He also said families can face challenges when they know someone is looking out for them.
Services are open to command-sponsored families, active-duty service members, retirees and Department of Defense civilians stationed in Korea, regardless of rank. Eligible households may visit twice a month, with food quantities based on household size.
The Warrior Food Pantry is at Building 1009 on Talon Street. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for services and donation drop-offs, and Saturdays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for donations only. The separate Saturday schedule is reserved for donations, while weekday hours include both pantry services and drop-offs. The pantry team can be contacted at [email protected] by people interested in volunteering, partnering or donating.
The Oct. 30 reopening formalized the Warrior Food Pantry’s nonprofit status while its volunteers continue to provide supplies at no cost. Its next step, as organizers described it, is to expand community partnerships and sustain that support for military families.
Related community health coverage: free community pharmacies in Cuba.
The Army’s report describes the reopening, renovation and services at Camp Humphreys.