The mission of Christian Neighbors is to provide local families in need with Food, Emergency Financial Assistance and skill building Education to create self-sufficiency. Christian Neighbors is a community ministry/agency serving individuals and families in Plainwell, Otsego and Martin school districts. It is governed by an all volunteer board. Christian Neighbors’ finances are watched and monitored by a Finance Team made up of our treasurer, bookkeeper, CPA, and local business owners. Christian Neighbors’ finances are raised and monitored by the Resource Development Team. The Facilities Director and team cares for the building with which the ministry has been greatly blessed. The Education Resource team oversees the mentoring program and classes. Members of the board and teams are carefully selected and diversified in their makeup. Clients are able to shop the food pantry once per calendar month (January, February, etc). Enough food for three meals each day for five days will be provided. When available, diapers, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, paper supplies and over the counter medications can also be selected. Qualifying households can shop the food pantry once per calendar month. Bring the following items during the hours listed below, arriving at least 1/2 hour before closing time, and in most cases you will receive a food box the same day you come. If you lack any of the following items, please call ahead to find out what might serve as a temporary substitute. Photo id showing your current address; proof of income for each person in the home who has income; social security cards for each person in the home; birthdates for each person in the home. We serve everyone in a home as one household, despite the fact that you may have separate Bridge Card cases with DHS and despite the fact that you may cook and keep your food separately. Please decide whose name the file will be listed under and that person can bring the required information for everyone in the home. In subsequent months, as long as the file is complete (all requested information has been provided), another adult in the home could shop for the home as long as we have a picture ID on file for that person.
Services provided :
- food pantry
Appointments :
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (269) 685-4166 to book your appointment.
Address :
282 12th St,
Plainwell, MI 49080.
Get Directions
Hours Of Operations :
- Mon:
- Tues:
- Wed:
- Thurs:
- Fri:
- Sat:
- Sun:
Help Residents of Cities:
- Plainwell
Help Residents of Counties:
- Allegan
Appointments
You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.
For the full set of services, you can call (269) 685-4166 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.
Food Pantry in Near By City
Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry
Show up early.
This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.
You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.
Remember all documentation.
Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.
This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.
It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.
Use several food banks.
Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.
For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.
Eligible for other programs?
Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.
They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
Ask about extras.
If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.
Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.
Go on different days of the week.
Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.
Be polite to workers.
Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?
Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.
2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?
Specifically, food banks often need items like:
- Peanut butter
- Canned soup
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Pasta
- Canned beans
- Canned stew
- Canned fish
3. Who can go to food pantry?
At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.
4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?
A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.
5. How does a food pantry work?
Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.