Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children under six years of age who are not receiving WIC assistance, and seniors 60 years of age and older with nutritious food. Food is distributed once a month, and should provide 12-15 days of complete, balanced meals. The exact food items distributed through the CSFP program are determined by the State of Michigan.

Eligibility: Applicants must be:

Pregnant, nursing, or have small children under six years of age not covered by WIC, and have income at or below 185 percent of poverty, or 60 years of age or older, and have income at or below 130 percent of poverty.

Program Available In: Barry County, Branch County, Calhoun County, St. Joseph County

Congregate Meals

The Congregate Meal Program provides seniors 60 years of age and older with hot, nutritious meals during the week. Dining Centers (where congregate meals are served) give seniors the opportunity to socialize with existing friends, or make new ones. A take-home cold supper meal may also be requested. Some congregate dining centers have extended hours and additional activities. These Senior Activity Centers are described later in the Services Just for Seniors section.

Congregate Meals in Calhoun County are funded through Area Agency on Aging Region III-B and Calhoun County Senior Millage. A donation of $1.50 is suggested but not required. Congregate Meals In Branch County are funded through Area Agency on Aging Region III-C. A donation of $2.00 is suggested but not required. In both counties reservations are necessary the day before. Persons ineligible by program standards can still participate by paying $4.50 for meal and providing a reservation twenty-four hours in advance.

Eligibility for Congregate Meals

Any individual 60 years of age or older; the spouse of an eligible participant; a disabled individual who resides with and the accompanies a participant who is 60 years of age or older; a disabled individual who may be under 60 years of age but resides in a senior living complex that houses a Congregate Dining Center.

Program Available In: Branch County & Calhoun County

Fresh Food Initiative (FFI)

Community Action’s Food & Nutritional Services and the Food Bank of South Central Michigan have teamed up to provide wholesome, fresh food items to low-income individuals and families in Branch County. Starting June 18, 2010, Fresh Food Initiative (FFI) distributions will begin in Branch County, from 10:00 am to 12:00pm each Friday until September 26. The distributions will be held at Community Action’s Branch County office, 285 N. Michigan, Coldwater, MI.   

The food is packed and distributed by a group of twenty dedicated volunteers.  Last summer these volunteers distributed highly nutritious foods to almost 2,000 families. In the past these foods have included included Asparagus, Sweet Corn, Watermelons, Apples, Spinach, Potatoes, and many others.

This program is made possible by many generous volunteers and donations from people in our community.  If you are interested in volunteering or donating to this or other Community Action programs that help out the community, please call 877-422-2726.

Eligibility

For more information on how to take advantage of this program, call the Food Bank at (888) 895-3663.

Program Available in : Branch County

Home Delivered Meals

The Home Delivered Meals program provides homebound seniors with hot, nutritious meals Monday through Friday. The meals provide one-third of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) nutritional requirements. In addition, the program can provide modified meals such as low salt, chopped, pureed, liberal soft, diabetic, and liquid nutrition. If needed, a light supper meal can also be delivered. Meals are delivered between 10:30am and 2:00pm by professional and courteous Community Action staff and volunteers.

Eligibility: Applicants must be able to feed themselves, home when meals are delivered, and be:

An individual 60 years of age or older; the spouse of someone who is 60 years of age or older; homebound; unable to participate in congregate meals because of physical or emotional difficulties; unable to obtain food or prepare complete meals; there is not an adult living with or near who is willing and able to prepare meals for the individual.

Program Available In: Branch County & Calhoun County

Senior Activity Centers

Senior Activity Centers are Senior Dining Centers that have expanded hours and additional social, recreational, and volunteer opportunities for seniors. Activities include sing-alongs, exercise, consumer tips, health and nutrition information, videos, and bingo.

Eligibility: Applicant must be:

An individual 60 years of age or older; the spouse of a participant who is 60 years of age or older; a disabled individual who resides with and accompanies a participant who is 60 years of age or older; a disabled individual who is under 60, but resides in a senior facility that houses a Congregate Dining Center.

Program Available In: Branch County & Calhoun County

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

Foods such as spaghetti, beans, rice, flour, peanut butter, meat, and fruit are distributed every three months to eligible individuals and families. The foods are distributed from a variety of sites throughout Community Action’s four-county service area. Eligibility must be established in advance by bringing required information (see below) to a Community Action office.

Eligibility: Applicants must have:

Income at or below 130 percent of poverty if under 60 years of age, or income at or below 160 percent of poverty if over 60 years of age.

Program Available In: Barry County, Branch County, Calhoun County, St. Joseph County

FNS Food Store Locations
Call 1-877-422-2726 for Store hours

Barry County

Thornapple Valley Church
2750 S M-43 Hwy
Hastings, MI

Branch County

Old "Coast to Coast" Building
Fairfield Plaza, 458 Marshall St
Coldwater, MI

Calhoun County

Albion
A.I.M.( Albion Interfaith Ministries)
118 West Porter St.
Albion, MI

Battle Creek
Community Action Food & Nutritional Services Warehouse
350 N 22nd St.
Battle Creek, MI

St. Joseph County

Sturgis
Sturgis Goodwill Retail Outlet
947 S. Centerville Rd.
Sturgis, MI

Three Rivers
Old Big Lots Building
1100 N. Main St.
Three Rivers, MI