The Commodities Supplemental Food Program is run collectively by Senior Services of Southwest Michigan, Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes, the Salvation Army, and Area Agency on Aging Region 3A. It offers income eligible seniors living in Kalamazoo County access to additional groceries once per month. Commodities distributions happen on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:30 AM at our distribution site located at the Salvation Army on South Burdick. Commodities are also available at various Senior Apartment Complexes in the Kalamazoo area such as Golden Tree, Spring Valley Crossings, or Portage Pines for residents in these buildings.
In order to qualify for Commodities, participants must be 60 years of age or older on the distribution date and be able to show a valid Michigan State ID with their current address. Clients also must self-declare their income based on 130% of Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, in 2020 this is less than $16,588 for one person or $22,412 for a household size of two. If a client themselves is unable to attend the distribution, they can have a proxy pick up Commodities for them. Senior Services maintains all client records of registration, who received services, and assists clients with getting set up on the program. Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes provides food and volunteers to assist during distribution. The Salvation Army offers their space for the distribution to occur, and the Area Agency on Aging assists with signing clients up at distribution.
Clients can register for commodities by calling Senior Services at 269-382-0515 Ext. 314 before the first of the month. We are still operating with COVID-19 with slight modifications to our service. Our commodities distribution remains on the first Wednesday each month at 9:30 at Salvation Army or in the respective complexes of clients who live there. The distributions are not currently being held inside, but rather in the parking lot. Staff will verify the clients’ information and, once approved, load the box into the vehicle or hand it off to you outside. Staff will sign for clients at this time. We encourage clients to use a proxy when appropriate if they are concerned about leaving their home at this time.
