Coming 2026!
310 Meredith St.
An Innovative & Dignified Solution to Food Security
A committed group of community leaders and volunteers are developing an exciting project to fill a critical need in Saginaw’s local food system. The Saginaw Community Food Club is a 5O1c3 nonprofit membership grocery store based on a successful model in Grand Rapids. Learn more about our Community Food Club model.
At the Saginaw Community Food Club, members will find healthy options at affordable prices. It’s an innovative approach to food security that prioritizes choice, participation, and access to healthy foods. It feels good and does good for everyone involved.
How it works
Saginaw Community Food Club is different from – and complementary to – emergency food resources. It’s designed to help families achieve ongoing food security on their way to greater stability and prosperity. Members experience the selection, service, convenience, and dignity of shopping in a quality grocery store.
Saginaw Community Food Club will feel and act like your favorite grocery store. But it has a very different approach to pricing. Members will shop with points – fruits and veggies are labeled with the lowest points, while snacks and processed foods are listed higher. As a result, families have a great incentive to eat healthy.
A household pays a fee of $12-$16 for a 30-day membership. Each household will pay based on a sliding scale, which takes into account household size and income. The Food Club will accept cash or credit/debit card for payment. Member households can shop daily until all points are used. The membership fee offers access to nutrition education opportunities.
How do I know if I qualify?
Household Size |
Annual Net Income
|
|---|---|
1 |
Up to $27,180 |
2 |
Up to $36,620 |
3 |
Up to $46,060 |
4 |
Up to $55,500 |
5 |
Up to $64,940 |
6 |
Up to $74,380 |
7 |
Up to $83,820 |
8 |
Up to $93,260 |
Who it serves
In Michigan, 80% of each month’s food assistance dollars are used within two weeks. That leaves at least another two weeks where meals are uncertain. And many families struggle to eat consistently because they earn more than the cutoff for food assistance, but less than the cost of living. The Saginaw Community Food Club will be an asset to:
- Members – who are referred by other members or the nonprofit community and fall at or below 200% of the poverty level for their household size.
- Everyone – because the entire community benefits when more people can count on regular, healthy meals and the stability that brings to all aspects of life.
What it does
Evidence shows stores like the Saginaw Community Food Club support:
Healthy eating
Fruits and vegetables make up 50% of the items members select – that’s about 3x the proportion of produce distributed through conventional grocery stores.
Consistent meals
After six months with the club, 33% of members say they skip meals less frequently, and 32% say they have not needed to use an emergency food resource.
Household stability
23% of members say they are better able to meet basic needs – like housing, healthcare, childcare – since joining a food club.
Get Involved!
Donate, Volunteer, Board Service, Member Committee