Who It's For

USDA food boxes are for seniors aged 60 and over with low incomes.
 
We host distributions at locations across the region. You can use the calendar below to find the site and time that works best for you.
​We serve seniors in:
  • Bay
  • Clare
  • Clinton
  • Eaton
  • Gladwin
  • Gratiot
  • Ionia
  • Isabella
  • Mecosta
  • Midland
  • Montcalm
  • Muskegon
  • Oceana
  • Osceola
  • Ottawa
 
If you are not sure whether you qualify, you can still reach out. Staff at your local distribution site can review eligibility with you.

How the Program Works

USDA Food Boxes are part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Boxes include shelf-stable items such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, grains, protein items, and other foods that can help round out your meals.
 
You can apply at a distribution site near you. You will need to bring your ID or other age-identifying documentation. At check-in, tell staff that you are new and want to apply for the program. Staff will help you complete the short application. Find your local site on our calendar.
​Once you are enrolled, you will be added to the distribution list. You can only attend one distribution every two months. If you miss your regular distribution, you can attend a different distribution site or a make-up day at our Food Warehouse in Clare.
 
We use a double-box model which means you will receive two boxes every other month.
 
You can also check out Tidbits, our monthly senior food program publication with recipes, tips, and more.

Where to Get Your Food

To find distribution dates and locations:
  • Use the USDA Food Distribution Calendar below, or
  • Click the button under the calendar to open it in a larger window
​This calendar includes all public sites. For apartment distribution information, contact your local office.
 
On distribution day:
  • Please remain in your vehicle when you arrive at the site
  • Staff will check you in from your car and place your food box in your trunk or car
  • If the line is too full to safely enter, please park in an open spot and wait
  • Do not block entrances or exits with your vehicle
  • Staff will stay on site until the end of the scheduled distribution
If there are still cars in line at the scheduled end of the distribution, staff will serve all customers before ending the distribution

Who to Contact

You can attend the next distribution near you to complete an application. If you have more questions, you can also call or text the office nearest you:  
Residents of Clinton, Eaton, and Ottawa Counties should call our Food Warehouse at 989-229-0849.
 
For Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, and Montcalm Counties, we partner with EightCAP to provide USDA food boxes. Residents in these counties should call EightCAP at 616-754-9315  

​You can also email us at [email protected].

If You Received a Notice of Discontinuance

Some customers may receive a Notice of Discontinuance about their USDA food box participation. You will only be issued a Notice of Discontinuance if you have not attended a distribution in 12 months or longer.
 
You can read the full notice here:
​If you received this notice and have questions, please call the number listed on your letter or contact your local office so we can talk through your situation. You can also reapply for the program at the next distribution near you. Find your local site on our calendar.

More Food Resources

​If you:
  • Are not a USDA food box participant, or
  • Are a participant but need more food between distributions,
there are other resources that may help:
Partner Pantries
We work with other pantries in our service area. Find local pantries that may be able to provide additional food support.
Clare County Food Pantry
If you live in Clare County, our pantry may be another way to help stretch your groceries.
2-1-1
211 has a directory of resources and can connect you with food resources in your area. Call or text 2-1-1.
​If you aren’t sure which program is right for you, you can also contact your local Community Action Center. Visit our Locations page or email [email protected] and we’ll help you sort through the options.

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
  1. mail:
    U.S. Department of Agriculture
    Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
    1400 Independence Avenue, SW
    Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
  2. fax:
    (202) 690-7442; or
  3. email:
    [email protected]​

https://www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/nds

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.