Membership FAQ

This article documents the Membership FAQ for Saginaw Community Food Club, a membership-based grocery store located at 310 Meredith St., Saginaw, MI 48601. It covers eligibility requirements (households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level), membership fees ($15–$25/month based on household size and income), how points-based shopping works, required documentation, and what members can access including fresh food, cooking classes, and community resources. A known discrepancy between two published income-eligibility tables on the organization's website is flagged for staff resolution.

Overview

Saginaw Community Food Club is a membership-based grocery store located at 310 Meredith St., Saginaw, MI 48601. It provides qualifying households with affordable access to nutritious food through a points-based shopping model. This FAQ consolidates the most commonly asked questions from prospective members, drawing directly from the organization's published FAQ page and home page at saginawfoodclub.org.

Staff Note: A discrepancy exists between two income-eligibility tables published on different pages of the Food Club website (one citing net income figures, one citing gross income figures). Until this is resolved at the source, prospective members should confirm the correct table directly with staff.

What Is Saginaw Community Food Club?

Saginaw Community Food Club is a membership-based grocery store where qualifying households can afford to eat well each month. Members shop using a points system during available store hours and can select food that fits their household's dietary or cultural needs.

Location

310 Meredith St., Saginaw, MI 48601 Phone: (989) 529-3275

How Membership Works

Membership Fee

Memberships cost between $15 and $25 per month, depending on household size and income. Households may choose which months to purchase a membership based on their needs — monthly renewal is optional, not mandatory.

Points System

Each membership provides a household with points redeemable for approximately 9–11 days' worth of groceries over a 30-day period. Larger households receive more points to account for greater food needs.

Important points rules:

  • Points do not roll over at the end of the 30-day period.
  • If a household runs out of points before the month ends, no additional points can be purchased.

Renewal

Memberships are renewed in person at the Membership Services Desk.

What Members Can Buy

Members can redeem points for:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Fresh and frozen meat
  • Dairy products
  • Dry and canned goods

Personal care items are not regularly stocked, as the Food Club is focused on food needs. Occasional specials may be announced on the organization's Facebook page.

Eligibility

Membership is open to households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level for their household size. Eligible households must be referred by either:

  • An existing Food Club member, or
  • A nonprofit community partner organization

Discrepancy flagged: The Food Club's home page and FAQ page currently publish two different income tables (differing on net vs. gross income and specific dollar figures). Prospective members should confirm the applicable table with staff before applying.

Required Documentation

Applicants must provide the last 2 pay stubs or documentation of other income sources, which may include:

  • SSI or SSDI award letters
  • Child support records
  • Retirement benefit statements
  • W-2 forms or tax returns (accepted upon staff approval)

What Membership Includes

Beyond shopping access, membership provides:

  • First access to cooking classes and workshops
  • Connections to other local community organizations and agencies

Programming such as cooking classes and workshops is also available to the broader community (non-members), though space or cost may vary.

If a Household Cannot Afford Membership

The Food Club will refer households who cannot afford a membership to other Saginaw County food pantries and assistance services through its local partner network.

Contact

For questions not addressed here, contact: swanton@saginawfoodclub.org

Additional information is available on the organization's Facebook page and at saginawfoodclub.org/faq.