Help us stock our pantry shelves this fall during our Fall Food Drive!

Fall food drive cover

Help us fill our senior pantry! Food Drive Donations

Senior Pantry Program

Our Senior Pantry Program is designed to be a safe place for seniors to source nutritious food. Eligible seniors can shop for groceries twice a month. It’s a wonderful resource that supports healthy, independent aging in our senior community.

How It Works

Eligible participants can call (616) 459-3111 and select option 3 for information on the Senior Pantry. Seniors have their choice of shopping once or twice a month, totaling $100-120 (80-100 lbs.) of groceries each month.

Special Thanks to Kent County Senior Millage

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan has been able to provide our Senior Pantry program since 2000 thanks to funding from the Kent County Senior Millage.

Location Information

Our Kent County Senior Pantry also offers additional senior services and referrals. Ask for more details while you’re there or call (616) 459-3111 and select option 3 for more information.

Grand Rapids NE

Monday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Friday: By Appointment

Senior Pantry FAQs

About Senior Pantry Eligibility

How do I qualify for the Senior Pantry Program?

To qualify for our Senior Pantry Program, seniors must meet the following requirements:

  1. They must be 60 or older.
  2. They must live in Kent County.
  3. Their income must be below 200% of current poverty guidelines.

Note: These qualifications do not apply for TEFAP and USDA products.

How much does it cost to shop at the Senior Pantry?

Seniors can shop for a suggested donation of $3 per visit. All donations are used to support the Senior Pantry programming. Like with all of our programs, MOWWM will never turn away an eligible senior if they can’t donate. We operate on a “give what you can, when you can, if you can” basis. We encourage all Senior Pantry shoppers to continue to visit our locations if the program is helpful for them, even if they aren’t able to donate. 

Can I have someone shop for me?

Yes, you can have a proxy shop for you! Call (616) 459-3111 and select option 3 for more information.

About Shopping

What kind of groceries are available at the Senior Pantry?

Groceries vary based on availability and seasonality. However, the pantry always supplies options from each food group—grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins. Common items found at the Senior Pantry include:

  • Bread
  • Grains (cereal, oats, rice, pasta)
  • Fresh, frozen and canned fruit
  • Fresh, frozen and canned vegetables
  • Canned and frozen meats
  • Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.)
  • Personal care items (toilet paper, dish soap, etc.)
Can I choose which groceries I’d like to take home?

Yes! We are a choice pantry that utilizes MyPlate to provide a nutritional shopping experience. We have a wide variety of items to choose from, including grains, dairy, protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and personal care items.

Do I need to bring my own bags?

Yes, please bring your own bags.

Can I have help carrying my groceries to my car?

Yes, staff and volunteers are readily available to help carry groceries out to your vehicle.

An Inclusive Environment
We believe in a community that intentionally fosters trust, mutual respect, and a sense of welcome, embracing varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

About Donating

How can I donate to the Senior Pantry?

Items can be dropped off at our Pantry location on Fuller during open hours or at our main Meals on Wheels Western Michigan location in Grandville at the front desk. 

Additionally, you can donate monetarily and that money can be converted into bulk items for our pantry based on needs.

What items are most needed at the Senior Pantry?

We are always looking for essentials like bread, grains (cereal, oats, rice, pasta), fresh, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, canned and frozen meats, dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc., personal care items (toilet paper, dish soap, etc.).

Can I host a food drive on behalf of meals on wheels and the Senior Pantry?

Yes, please! We are always looking for organizations, big and small, willing to host a food drive for our pantry. The need for pantry items is always welcomed. 

Senior Pantry Guests

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan needs your help this fall filling up our Senior Pantry! Drop off some of our most needed items today!