Food

Monthly food box (contents may vary)
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.
​​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 2-1-1 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
Tax Prep Volunteers
Who: Community members and seniors 
What: Assistance preparing and submitting income taxes
Where: Clare, Gladwin, Mecosta, and Osceola Counties
When: February 1st through May 15th, 2021
How: Call the office nearest you
          Big Rapids: 231-660-0271
          Farwell: 989-386-3805
          Gladwin: 989-426-2801
          Reed City: 231-791-7078
To check the status of your return, use the IRS Where's My Refund tool.

Clare Castle Senior Housing

ClareCastle
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

Garfield Manor Senior Housing

Garfield Manor
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.