Food
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 near you
​For seniors in Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, and Montcalm Counties, call EightCAP at 616-754-9315
*Muskegon and Oceana distributions are every other month and consist of two boxes
Check out Tidbits: a monthly senior food program publication that contains features like healthy eating tips, recipes, and information about food distributions.
Our food box program is changing!

Effective January 2024, our senior commodity customers will continue receiving their Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) boxes monthly as usual. Those boxes will also contain The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) items.

Instead of receiving one extra box every three months, you will receive additional items every month!

For questions, call 989-386-3805 ext. 1202

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.
​
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: 2024 tax preparation season dates and locations TBA
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