Membership Eligibility

Membership Eligibility

Summary: Membership at Saginaw Community Food Club is open to Saginaw County households that meet two conditions: household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level for your household size, and a referral from a current member or a partner nonprofit. About 47% of Saginaw County qualifies. Membership costs $15–25 per household for 30 days, on a sliding scale.

Membership Eligibility Saginaw Community Food Club is a nonprofit membership grocery store opening Fall 2026 at 310 Meredith Street, Saginaw, MI 48601 — on the corner of Meredith and S. Franklin, in front of MyMichigan Health. To shop at the store, a household becomes a member. Membership is designed for the nearly half of Saginaw County that works but still struggles to afford healthy food.

Eligibility has two parts. First, household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level for your household size. Second, new members are referred — either by a current member or by one of the Club's partner nonprofits. The referral model is part of the Community Food Club approach: the original Grand Rapids club, founded in 2015, has used partner referrals from day one. About 47% of Saginaw County meets the income guideline, according to Tina Swanton, president and CEO of the Food Club.

Membership costs $15–25 per household for 30 days. The exact fee is set on a sliding scale based on household size and income, payable by cash, credit, or debit card. In return, each household receives a monthly budget of points to spend in the store: 60 points for one person, 90 for two people, 100 for three, 120 for four, 130 for five, 150 for six to seven people, and 170 for eight or more. These points are sized to cover roughly 9 to 11 days of groceries over each 30-day period — the same coverage the model delivers at its Grand Rapids location.

To verify income, members provide documentation such as the last two pay stubs, SSI or SSDI records, a child support record, or retirement benefits. Other proof — such as a W-2 or tax return — may be accepted with staff approval. The same document list is used at Food Club locations across Michigan.

Joining now costs nothing. Households can join the waitlist for free, and no payments begin until after the official opening; the Club's membership coordinator will call when it is your turn. Memberships renew in person at the Membership Services Desk, and no household is obligated to buy a membership every month.

Membership includes more than groceries: first access to cooking classes and workshops in the community kitchen, and connections to other local organizations and agencies — "come for food, leave with a plan." Households that cannot afford the fee are referred to other Saginaw County food pantries and assistance services through the Club's local partners.

FAQ Who is eligible for a Food Club membership? Households at or below 200% of the poverty level for their household size, referred by other members or the nonprofit community. **How much does membership cost? **$15–25 per household for 30 days, on a sliding scale by household size and income. Cash, credit, or debit accepted.

What documents do I need to prove my income? The last 2 pay stubs, SSI, SSDI, a child support record, retirement benefits, or other income accepted upon staff approval with supporting documentation such as a W-2 or tax return. **Do I have to renew every month? **No. Renewal happens in person at the Membership Services Desk, and no household is obligated to buy a membership every month. What if my household can't afford a membership? The Food Club acknowledges some households won't be able to buy a membership, and will refer them to Saginaw County's other food pantries and food assistance services through its local partners.