Food

Monthly food box (contents may vary)

Who: Low-income senior citizens (60 and over)

What: A free box of food

Where: View the calendar below to find the location nearest you

When: Monthly

How: Register at the distribution site or call the office nearest you
          Bay City: 989-894-9060
          Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
          Farwell: 989-386-3805
          Gladwin: 989-426-2801
          Midland: 989-832-7377
          Reed City: 231-791-7078

​For seniors in Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, and Montcalm Counties,
​call EightCAP at 616-754-9315

Check out Tidbits: a monthly senior food program publication that contains features like healthy eating tips, recipes, and information about food distributions.

Commodities Distribution Calendar

To view the full calendar, click here.

As a result of USDA directives, April and May Senior commodity food boxes were distributed together during the month of April. There are no commodity food distributions scheduled during the month of May.

If you are a current senior commodity food customer, and missed April’s distribution, you can pick up a make-up box up at our Clare Food Warehouse, located at 2300 East Ludington Drive in Clare, on May 7th, 14th, 21st, or 28th, from 9:00 am -11:00 AM.

We will resume distributions in June. June distributions will take place during their regularly scheduled dates and times. Please refer to our distribution calendar for details. 

​If you are in need of food but you are not a senior commodity food customer, or you are a senior commodity food customer, but you need more food, please contact 211 for referrals to local food pantries in your area.
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Commodity food distributions have a few changes to ensure the health and safety of all involved: Please remain in your vehicle when you arrive at the site. We will be checking you in from your car and will place your food box in your trunk.  If the line is too full to safely enter, please park your vehicle in a parking spot and wait. Do not block entrances or exits with your vehicle. We will remain on site until all customers have received their food. Private site distributions will also continue. We will modify our procedures for each unique setting.

Tax Preparation Assistance

Tax Prep Volunteers

Who: Seniors 60 and over

What: Free income tax preparation 

Where: Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties

When: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continuing social distancing measures, we will not be able to take any further tax preparation appointments this year.

How: If you have any questions, please call 989-386-3805. Thank you for your understanding.

Clare Castle Senior Housing

ClareCastle

Who: People who are 55 and older

What: Quality, affordable, and maintenance free two-bedroom apartments which include fully equipped kitchens, full size washers and dryers, internet access, private balconies, individually controlled central heating and cooling, cable tv hook ups, and carports.

The ground floor houses community space for residents to enjoy, as well as the Clare County Senior Center and meal site. It is adjacent to shopping, restaurants, banks, medical facilities, pharmacies and the post office.

Where: 114 W 4th St, Clare, MI 48617

How: Call 800-230-0085 for application information

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Garfield Manor Senior Housing

Garfield Manor

Who: People who are 55 and older

What: A senior community close to shopping, entertainment, and several restaurants. These uniquely designed one-bedroom apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, parking, individually controlled central heating and cooling, cable tv hookups, and electric, gas, heat, water, and trash utilities included.

The complex includes in building laundry, transportation services, parking, a large community room with a piano and pool table, a community garden, weekly activities, and monthly social gatherings.

Where: 1011 Fraser St, Bay City, MI 48708

How: Call 989-892-4213 for application information

In accordance with Federal Civil Rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Civil Rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior credible 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 responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. 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; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.