about us
The Community Food Club is a non-profit, member based grocery store.
our mission
The Community Food Club is an innovative and dignified approach to food security rooted in consumer choice, member participation, and access to healthy foods.
our commitment
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our mission and our impact. The Community Food Club exists to provide a culturally appropriate, dignified shopping experience for all Kent County residents faced with food access challenges. We recognize that we have much to learn and know that it takes a multitude of perspectives to ensure our mission is achieved.
We honor the characteristics, traits, and experiences that make each person unique and are committed to creating environments that make all people feel welcomed, supported, valued and meaningfully engaged.
our values
Community
Building and encouraging strong relationships in a friendly and safe environment
Dignity
Demonstrating and promoting mutual respect and appreciation
Consumer Participation
Encouraging ownership and buy-in by way of membership fees and program input
Member-Centered
Ensuring a quality shopping experience, increased choice, and active participation for all members
health
Providing accessible and affordable selection of healthy foods and nutrition education opportunities
Collaboration
Members, donors, and other sectors investing to ensure effective program and financial stability
Evaluation
Making informed decisions based on research and data
Equity
Creating an inclusive, diverse, and just organization that works to reduce disparities
our story
The Community Food Club Model
Opening its doors in January of 2015, the Community Food Club was the vision of seven partner agencies desiring to try a new model. A model that incorporated consumer choice and had access to healthy foods.
Walk through the doors of the Community Food Club and you will find a grocery store stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, meat and dry goods. Members complete their shopping trip at the checkout lane and receive a receipt that shows the order total and the remaining point balance.
Member households pay $11-$15 for a 30 day membership and are given an allotment of points based on their household size. Point values are assigned to each food item at the Community Food Club and members select the foods that best meet their families needs. Members may shop as often as they wish, up to once per day, until all of their points are used. Dignity and choice are the hallmarks of the Community Food Club model.
What differentiates the Community Food Club from a traditional grocery store? The price! Fruits and vegetables are the lowest priced items in the store while processed foods and snacks are the among the highest. This model helps increase food security in general; providing our members access to fresh produce and other healthy foods.
who we are
AJ Fossel
Executive Director
ajfossel@communityfoodclubgr.org
AJ has spent her career working in the charitable food sector. In her role as Executive Director, AJ is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, resource development, and the strategic plan of the Food Club. She has a passion for food justice and fostering leadership among all people who interact with the Food Club. Although a “newbie” in her diversity, equity, and inclusion journey, AJ knows the best work happens when everyone has a place at the table and works hard to make sure the Food Club is a welcoming place for all.
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Uvas! (Grapes)
OSCAR UBILLUS-FERNANDEZ
Grocery Coordinator
oscar.ubillus@communityfoodclubgr.org
I started working at the Food Club four years ago and I have grown so much here. I enjoy buying and looking for new products for the Food Club. I really like to make friends and treat all people with respect and I think that’s why people remember my name and face on the street. When I am not at work I love spending time in my workshop working on new projects, accompanied by my cat, Kevin.
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: La lucuma
AMBER Colter
Logistics Coordinator
amber.colter@communityfoodclubgr.org
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Asparagus
Sydney Watson
Communications & Development Coordinator
sydney.watson@communityfoodclubgr.org
Working at the Food Club has been an incredible growing experience. Getting to know the members at the Food Club has allowed me to get more familiar with the community I work and live in. Being a part of such an innovative and forward thinking model inspires me on a daily basis and work doesn’t feel so much like work! Outside of the Food Club, I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends, reading, or binge watching a Netflix series.
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: A perfectly roasted brussels sprout!
Heather Milks
Member Engagement and Special Projects Coordinator
heather.milks@communityfoodclubgr.org
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: A just-right peach
Raúl Antonio Ortiz
Volunteer Coordinator
raul.ortiz@communityfoodclubgr.org
I love working at the Food Club because I get to be introduced to the members of the community I wouldn’t have been able to meet otherwise. Getting to talk to people and listen to their stories, we see how connected we really are to food. It is a part of our culture, our growth, and how we connect with people. I have had the opportunity to introduce members to foods they may not have been familiar with before. For example, huitlacoche is a fungus that grows atop of corn and is a delicacy that dates back to the Mexica people of Tenochtitlan. Members may not have ever heard of this before and I’m able to explain usages! Recently, the Food Club stocked dragon fruit, a semi sweet tropical fruit native to the Americas. I was able to teach members that these are great in smoothies, frozen desserts, or taste amazing eaten fresh. Outside of the Food Club I spend my time with my family, kickboxing, and cooking to share great times with friends.
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Broccolini
Deanna howland
Floor & Stocking Associate
I work at the Community Food Club to help others get access at healthier foods. I enjoy seeing families and individuals get access to healthier foods, and helping others, and the people I work with. I enjoy spending time with my family, including my grandchildren, and friends, going to the movies, festivals, bowling, watching mystery movies, trying new classes on subjects I’m interested in!
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Kiwi
board of directors
KURT KNOTH
Spectrum Health
Chairperson
DOUG SCHOLMA
Retired, Spartan Nash
Vice Chair
BOBBY GARMON
Community Food Club Member
ERIC JOBE
Spectrum Health
VERONICA GOUDZWAARD
Community Food Club Member
JAY ZYLSTRA
Retired, Gordon Food Service
Secretary
JERLEAN MCALISTER
Community Food Club Member
Treasurer
DAVE JACOBS
Retired, Home Repair Services
DR. TIFFANY LETTS
Metro Health
GUSTAVO ROTONDARO
Michigan 2-1-1
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