Food Club closed, will reopen Friday for drive-up only.

Food Club closed, will reopen Friday for drive-up only.

LUDINGTON – Lakeshore Food Club, 920 E. Tinkham Ave, will be closed the remainder of today, Wednesday, March 18, and Thursday, March 19, in preparation to switch, temporarily, to a drive-up food box distribution model. Food boxes will be distributed starting Friday, March 20. Until further notice, the Lakeshore Food Club, for the safety of staff and the public, will not be allowing people into the Food Club and will be distributing food only via the food box distribution model.

 “We regret that we must step away, for a time, from the choice model that means so much to our mission and members,” said O’Nealya Gronstal, executive director. “We plan to return to our choice grocery store model as soon as it is safe and sensible for all involved.” The membership fees and point structure model will be temporarily suspended so that food can be distributed with fewer volunteers and staff, while also decreasing face to face contact significantly.  

For current Food Club members, all unused monthly points – active as of March 18 – will be rolled over for a 30-day period once the Food Club reopens its choice pantry program.

To better prepare for the quantity needed, Lakeshore Food Club is asking that anyone requesting a food box pre-register online at www.lakeshorefoodclub.org or by calling the Food Club at 231-480-4334. Boxes will be prepared according to household sizes and filled with a pre-selected variety of items. There will be an option for limited add-ons such as baby items, toiletries packs, and cleaning items as long as supplies remain available.

Box pick up appointments will be available between noon to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Boxes will be picked up at the main entrance of the Lakeshore Food Club, 920 E Tinkham Avenue, Ludington. Further instructions are available on the Lakeshore Food Club website.
“It is our desire to keep our promise to the community to offer fresh, healthy food to those in need and we appreciate the community’s flexibility in helping to make this work. Community members who want to help us serve can help offset our increased food costs by making a financial donation,” said Gronstal. Donations can be made online at www.lakeshorefoodclub.org or by mailing a check to the Lakeshore Food Club, 920 E Tinkham Avenue, Ludington, MI 49431.