FAQ About the Food Pantry

There are many food pantries throughout our community that help address food insecurity. Community Unites serves individuals and families living within approximately a 15-mile radius of our pantry, with a focus on rural communities where access to food and basic necessities can be more limited. Communities we serve include:ClioOtisvilleMillingtonBirch RunMt. MorrisMontrose If you live outside of our service area, we encourage you to locate a pantry closer to your home through the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan's pantry locator.

Our food pantry is sustained through the generosity of private donors, the church, local businesses, grant funding, and community organizations. We are especially grateful for the partnership of the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Walmart, Don's Food Land, and many generous individuals who donate food and financial gifts throughout the year. Together, these partnerships allow us to provide nutritious food and household essentials to individuals and families in need.

Eligible households may receive food up to two times per month. This schedule allows us to serve as many individuals and families as possible while ensuring our pantry resources are distributed fairly throughout the community.

Eligible households may place an order through our online ordering system. Once your order is submitted, our volunteers carefully shop, sort, and pack your groceries specifically for your household. Because every order is prepared by volunteers, we ask that you only place an order if you are able to pick it up during your scheduled pickup time.

Our volunteers dedicate many hours to preparing each order. When an order is not picked up, that food, volunteer time, and limited pantry resources are wasted. If you miss three scheduled pickups without notifying us, your online ordering privileges will be suspended for six months. If an emergency prevents you from picking up your order, please contact us as soon as possible so we can work with you whenever possible.

To protect the privacy and security of each household, food orders must be picked up by a member of the household receiving assistance. We are unable to allow friends, neighbors, or others outside of your household to pick up orders on your behalf. If you have questions or concerns about your ability to pick up your order, please contact us before your scheduled pickup time so we can discuss available options.

No. All food and services provided through Community Unites are offered free of charge to eligible individuals and families.

Yes! Depending on availability, we provide hygiene products, household essentials, and diapers.

Our online ordering system allows families to choose foods that best fit their household while helping our volunteers prepare orders efficiently, reduce waste, shorten pickup times, and ensure food is distributed fairly to everyone we serve.

Absolutely! We gladly accept unopened, non-perishable food items that are within their expiration dates, as well as many personal care and household items. Financial donations are also greatly appreciated because they allow us to purchase food in bulk and meet our community's greatest needs. You can drop off items at the church during office hours, Monday through Wednesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. If you have questions or would like to arrange a donation, please call us at (810) 686-5370. Every contribution helps us serve families in need and make a positive impact in our community.

Volunteers are the heart of our pantry. Opportunities include:Packing online ordersStocking shelvesSorting donationsAssisting during distributionsAdministrative supportSpecial events Whether you can serve once a month or every week, we'd love to have you join our team. To learn more or sign up, call our office at (810) 686-5370 during office hours (Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM). Your time and energy can make a big difference in the lives of families in need.

Every dollar makes a difference. Monetary donations help us purchase fresh food, meat, dairy, produce, and household necessities at reduced costs through our food bank partners. Your generosity directly impacts families in our community experiencing food insecurity. You can make a difference from wherever you are by donating online! Simply visit the link below by click the “Donate” button to give securely. Make sure to earmark "food pantry”. Your contribution helps us provide food and essential resources to families in need. Every dollar makes an impact and brings hope to our community.