Grocery Pantry Program

The Grocery Pantry Program (GPP) is our primary food assistance distribution program. During our 2018/19 fiscal year, the GPP filled 146,578 food orders to over 28,000 unduplicated individuals. During busy periods, we can see more than 1,000 local residents in need utilize this program during a single day. Our COVID-19 temporary model serves an average of 500 people per day from our main location on Portage Street in Kalamazoo.

How The Grocery Pantry Program Works

Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes usually distributes food at 30 Grocery Pantry Sites throughout Kalamazoo County, including those located in the outer county areas (Galesburg, Richland, and Vicksburg), and a site at the main Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes' facility. These sites are neighborhood-based and located along easily-accessible transport routes for convenience. However, during COVID-19 we're only distributing curbside from our location at 901 Portage Street.

How To Utilize The Program

People in need of food assistance should call our "Need Food" line at 343-FOOD (3663) to request same day service. Our call center is currently open Monday thru Friday from 10 am - 3 pm. Please call as close to 10 am as possible as pantries tend to fill up quickly. Caseworkers may schedule on behalf of a client and/or pick-up pre-packed food orders for clients.

Currently, the Grocery Pantry Program can be accessed twice per calendar month for a total of 24 yearly visits.

At the pantry, individuals will receive both perishable and non-perishable food items that reflect the USDA's guidelines of protein, fruits and veggies, and grains.

Each food order contains four days worth of food for each member of their family.

The household member picking up the order needs to present their I.D.

Quick-Print GPP Flyers

English Flyer
Necesita Folleto de Comida
Besoin de Nourriture Flyer

See Pantries Located On The Metro Bus Line

Click here for food distribution sites located on the Metro Transit bus line.