Although it passed without a lot of commentary last week, the symbolic value alone of the Salvation Army in Marquette and Delta counties returning to indoor dining and client-choice pantry services beginning May 2 was significant.

The agencies together provide food and services to a great many of our friends and neighbors in the two-county area.

That they are taking this important step is a pretty big deal, we believe.

“We are excited to offer client choice again for our pantry services,” Capt. Marie Lewis of The Salvation Army Marquette County said in a Mining Journal story on the matter. “Client choice gives clients a grocery store experience, allowing them to choose foods their families like to eat. Clients can either choose to come through the pantry for client choice options or continue with the drive-up, pre-boxed pantry items.”

Also on May 2, the Marquette and Escanaba corps locations will return to a dine-in lunch program.

“What we missed is the interaction with our clients,” Capt. Doug Winters, regional coordinator, said in the same Journal story. “Our clients missed the fellowship that came with breaking bread together.”

Again, not the the most earth-shattering development one could imagine but important because it is yet another signal that the COVID-19 pandemic is finally winding down.

Hang in there, Superiorland. There is, indeed, light at the end of the tunnel.