When we arrived at the Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) in Killeen, Antionette Wiggins was already at the door — calm, ready, and smiling. By then, her team had been moving at a tight clip for hours. A fresh delivery of pantry staples and cases of water had come in from an outside donor the day before and was already seamlessly folded into the morning’s flow. No scrambling. No fuss. Just a well-oiled, people-first operation that feels both precise and deeply human.
This is the rhythm of the Five Star Market at ASYMCA Killeen — client-choice, grocery-style, and designed for dignity. It opens early for active-duty military (6:30–8 a.m.), then welcomes veterans and the broader community until supplies run out. This pantry location is run by five people — yes, five — whose coordination looks like a drill formation and feels like a warm welcome.
“We’re all here to serve one another,” says Antionette, Senior Director of Military Programs. “Please come. This is for you and your family.”
What “client choice” looks like in real life
Inside the market, shelves are meticulously staged. Floors are swept — often. Canned goods face forward; no dented cans make the cut. Cold cases are restocked multiple times to keep produce and proteins fresh. Volunteers and staff regularly walk the line to offer kids a snack and check on parents, not as a gesture, but as a habit.
And, critically, neighbors choose their groceries. If your family won’t eat something, you don’t have to take it. If you’re excited about apples, potatoes, or a head of cabbage that turns into a favorite dinner, you get to decide. The result is a shopping experience that preserves autonomy, reduces waste, and keeps the focus on what families will actually cook and enjoy.
“Some pantries hand out a pre-packed bag,” Antionette explains. “Here, you shop for what your family needs. That’s dignity.”
Built with care — and run with military precision
What looks effortless is the product of a deliberate weekly cadence:
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Monday–Tuesday: Intake and staging by area (meats, dairy, pantry, cereal, milk).
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Wednesday: Produce day — everything sorted and set so Thursday can move fast.
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Thursday: Pantry day — doors open early; team members anchor assigned stations and flex to support each other as lines grow.
Every person has a role. When one station slows down, staff slide into the next task without being asked. It’s efficient. It’s warm. And it’s personal — faces are remembered, names are learned, and small kindnesses are part of the design.
Partnership that scales impact
Much of what stocks the market each week — fresh produce, milk, proteins, and shelf-stable staples — comes through the Central Texas Food Bank. Regular orders keep the market consistent; community donations and timely corporate gifts add extra breathing room for families.
“Every Thursday morning, we order for Monday delivery,” Antionette told us. “We’re grateful for the chicken, milk, cereal, canned goods — the things families need for their babies.”
“It’s security.” Military spouses on what this place means
We also sat with three military spouses and their children. Their words were clear: this market is a lifeline, especially when paychecks are uncertain and costs are high.
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On why they choose this market: “They really think about the kids — snacks for the line, cereal cups, mac-and-cheese, and still the staples we need for dinner.”
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On the difference it makes: “No matter how long the line, we know we’ll leave with what we need. That security means everything.”
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On dignity and community: “You’re not alone here. People share tips, recipes, and other resources. It feels like community.”
That sense of community shows up beyond the checkout moment — parents swapping pantry days, potluck-style meals where everyone brings a piece, and text chains to make sure new families know where to go and when. What begins as a grocery run often becomes connection and calm.
Veterans Day, felt — not staged
As Veterans Day approaches, we’re mindful that service doesn’t end at enlistment. It looks like a parent standing in line before school drop-off. It’s a family stretching a tank of gas to get to work and back. It’s a spouse troubleshooting childcare, healthcare, and car repairs while their partner is away.
Honoring service in this season is about dependable support. Spaces like the Five Star Market give families something they can count on: a clean, welcoming place where the food is good, the choices are real, and the people at the door already know your name.
“Don’t be ashamed,” Antionette says. “We’re here for you. Feed your babies. Ask for help if you need it.”
Why this matters — and how to help
The Five Star Market is proof that small teams can do big things when process, partnership, and heart line up. It’s also a reminder that stability comes from showing up predictably — week after week, with produce, protein, pantry staples, and a community that cares.
If you’re able, here are meaningful ways to support work like this:
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Give: Your gift helps us keep shelves stocked with fresh, nutritious options families ask for.
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Volunteer: Support the flow—staging, restocking, greeting, kid-snack runs down the line.
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Share: If someone you know could use this market, tell them they’re welcome.
This Veterans Day, and every day, we’re proud to stand alongside partners like ASYMCA Killeen. What we witnessed there was more than an efficient pantry. It was a masterclass in care with precision: five people, a gym track full of neighbors, and a steady drumbeat of hope that carries families through the week.
