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% of poverty, or 60 years of age or older, and have income at or below 130% of poverty.

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

Community Kitchen Training Center

A real-life classroom where participants learn the skills they need to obtain jobs in the growing food service industry, while providing meals to our Senior Nutrition Programs.  The in-depth, 10-week course, will cover different aspects of the industry including, food handling, kitchen safety, sanitation, ordering and receiving food, and preparing mass meals.  All classes will be held at the CAA’s Battle Creek commissary located in the Franklin Neighborhood Center, 85 Bennett Street. 

Classes will be held Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  The training will last ten weeks and will provide each student with multiple certifications in different areas of the food service industry.  CAA will also assist each student with resumes and interview skills.   

Anyone interested in this program can obtain an application by contacting CAA at (269) 966-2466, toll free at (877) 422-2726, or stop by our office at 175 Main Street, Battle Creek, Michigan.

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 disable individual who resides with 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)

Every Friday, beginning June 15th and going through September 30th CAASCM distributes a variety of vitamin rich fresh foods targeting seniors and children in need. The food distributed may include eggs, yogurt, fruit juices, baked goods, potatoes, apples, figs, cereals, onions, carrots, cabbage, tomatoes and many, many other fresh fruits and produce. The program is a joint venture between the Food Bank of South Central Michigan and the Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan.

Eligibility

Any person or family in need can enroll at the Branch County CAA Office or receive the foods once by signing a self-declaration of need form on the day of distribution.

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 1/3 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 CAA 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 you or near you who is willing and able to prepare meals for you.

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 CAASCM’s four-county service area. Eligibility must be established in advance by bringing required information (see below) to a CAASCM office.

Eligibility: Applicants must have:

Income at or below 130% of poverty if under 60 years of age; Income at or below 160% 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 Kmart Building
3069 Chicago
Coldwater, MI

Calhoun County

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

Battle Creek
CAA 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