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 solely 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)
Katie Sienkowski
Operations Director
katie.sienkowski@communityfoodclubgr.org
I instantly felt at home when I began my role as the Operations Director at the Food Club. I love being able to put my retail and operations skills to work at such a special place. While it is absolutely wonderful seeing families fill their carts with healthy food that is uniquely right for their family, my favorite part of the Community Food Club is the community. We have the most amazing members, caring volunteers, and hardworking staff!
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Oranges
Jon Roberts
Development Director
jon.roberts@communityfoodclubgr.org
My family and I experienced firsthand the transformative impact of the food club as members. Every time we walked into the club, we were embraced by its warm and welcoming environment.
I was thrilled at the opportunity to leverage my fundraising and community-building skills within an organization that had a direct and meaningful impact on my life, as well as a profound ripple effect throughout our community..
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Raspberries
Carina Deleon
Member Services & Development Associate
carina.deleon@communityfoodclubgr.org
I work at the Community Food Club because it makes healthy foods accessible to the community. Through my job at Member Services, I am able to interact with members and learn about how the Food Club has relieved food insecurities in their home. I also get to meet people from different cultures and together we learn more about our similarities through food. It’s been very enjoyable to interact with people and form new ties with the community. In my free time I love spending time with my family and furry dog.
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Watermelon
OSCAR UBILLUS-FERNANDEZ
Grocery Manager
oscar.ubillus@communityfoodclubgr.org
I started working at the Food Club five 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
Leah Baker
Volnteer Coordinator
leah.baker@communityfoodclubgr.org
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: My favorite fruit is Mango!
Samantha Myers
Floor & Stocking Associate
samantha.myers@communityfoodclubgr.org
I have really enjoyed working at the Food Club and getting to see all the awesome changes over the years, especially the health hub addition! I really enjoy forming relationships with the members and hearing what they love about the Food Club. I appreciate all the insight from our members and volunteers. I honestly love coming to work at the Food Club because of all the smiling faces I see.
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Broccoli
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
Karina Rodriguez
Floor & Stocking Associate
I like working at the Community Food Club because it is an institution that helps the community most in need, and I know that my work here contributes to the cause.
Favorite Fruit or Vegetable: Mandarins
board of directors
JAY ZYLSTRA
Retired, Gordon Food Service
Chairperson
GUSTAVO ROTONDARO
Michigan 2-1-1
Secretary
KATHRYN VON MAUR
Community Food Club Member
ERIC JOBE
Visual Entities
BRITTANY HULL
DEI Professional
Leyla Flores Morales
Corewell Health
Corewell Health