Client Choice Pantries

"Client choice" is a model of emergency food distribution that enables clients to select their own food, much like a grocery store. Unlike most pantries, which provide clients with fixed boxes or bags of food with no ability to select the items included, client choice pantries allow clients the ability to choose from a wide variety of foods, better enabling clients to meet their personal dietary needs.

The client choice model offers other advantages, including:

  • A sense of dignity for clients and their families
  • Higher satisfaction with the food they are able to choose
  • Less waste and ultimately less cost of food provided
  • Greater opportunities for volunteer and clients to interact; more social, supportive relationship opportunities

Two client choice pantries operate in conjunction with Gleaners:

  • Shared Harvest Pantry

    Shared Harvest Pantry is a Client Choice Pantry in Livingston County that has been in operation since 1999. It has grown considerably since its inception in amount of food distributed, number of individuals served and pantry hours. Currently, Shared Harvest is operating as a program of Gleaners Community Food Bank of Livingston.

    Collaboration, skillful management, a conscious culture of respect as well as the extensive, engaging use of volunteers are the cornerstones of success for the pantry. The collaborative aspect of Shared Harvest includes the partnership between Gleaners Community Food Bank and the numerous churches, religious groups, and social groups and their members who are committed volunteers regularly staffing the pantry.

    Learn more about Livingston County's Shared Harvest Pantry

  • Fish & Loaves

    In conjunction with Gleaners' Taylor Distribution Center, Fish & Loaves Community Food Pantry was established in June of 2008 to help feed our hungry neighbors in six Downriver communities.

    Fish & Loaves is a network of churches committed to providing food assistance to families and individuals in need. More information about the organization is available at www.downriverfishandloaves.org.

    Other client choice pantries can be found at www.pantrynet.org

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