Written by Cheryl Punk on August 7, 2025

A Different Kind of Food Assistance

The Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP) at United Against Poverty is not like other food assistance programs. When you walk through our doors, you’ll notice the difference right away. Instead of pre-packed boxes with limited options, you’ll find aisles of food and household items set up like a regular grocery store. This lets you select items off the shelf with dignity and pick exactly what your family needs and will use.

Our program offers a simple but powerful benefit. Members contribute a small handling fee for each item. This results in savings of up to two-thirds off normal grocery prices. Your food budget goes much further while you still get to choose what you want.

Fresh Produce Year-Round

Fresh fruits and vegetables form the foundation of healthy eating. Yet they’re often the first items cut from tight food budgets. At our Member Share Grocery Program, fresh produce is always available and affordable.

Throughout the year, our produce section features seasonal options that change with growing cycles. You might find:

• Common fruits like apples, oranges, and bananas available all year
• Summer offerings of berries, melons, and stone fruits
• Fall selections of squash, pumpkins, and hearty greens
• Winter options including citrus fruits and root vegetables
• Spring selections featuring early berries and tender vegetables

Our fresh produce comes from various sources. These include partnerships with local farms, grocery store donations, and wholesale purchases. We carefully check all produce to make sure it’s good quality.

For families with children, fresh fruits and vegetables are very important. Kids need these foods for proper growth. Trying many different fruits and vegetables helps children develop healthy eating habits that last their whole life.

Protein Options for Every Preference

Protein is often the most expensive part of the grocery bill. But it’s essential for strong muscles, a healthy immune system, and feeling full longer. Our Member Share Grocery Program offers many protein options to fit different needs, tastes, and cooking styles.

In our refrigerated and frozen sections, you’ll find:

• Ground beef, chicken breasts, pork chops, and other fresh meats
• Frozen fish fillets and seafood options
• Eggs and egg substitutes
• Plant-based proteins including tofu and meat alternatives
• Dried and canned beans in many varieties
• Nuts and nut butters

Whether you’re cooking for a family that loves meat, following a vegetarian or vegan diet, or dealing with food allergies, you’ll find options that work for your household. Our staff can also give you simple recipe ideas that make the most of these protein sources.

Dairy Products and Refrigerated Items

Unlike many food assistance programs, our Member Share Grocery Program has full refrigeration capacity. This allows us to offer dairy and other perishable items that are essential for many families.

Our dairy section typically includes:

• Milk (whole, reduced-fat, and non-dairy alternatives)
• Cheese in various forms (sliced, shredded, and block)
• Yogurt for both adults and children
• Butter and margarine
• Cream cheese and sour cream

These items provide calcium, vitamin D, and protein. These nutrients are particularly important for growing children and older adults. The small handling fee for these items gives you big savings compared to regular grocery stores.

Frozen Foods for Convenience and Nutrition

Our freezer section helps with two common challenges faced by busy families: not enough time and food waste. Frozen foods are quick to prepare and last longer than fresh foods.

In our freezer section, members find:

• Frozen vegetables that keep their nutrients and are quick to prepare
• Frozen fruits perfect for smoothies and baking
• Pre-made meals for busy days
• Frozen meat and poultry in family and individual portions
• Ice cream and frozen treats as occasional options

Frozen foods help families reduce waste. You can use just the portion you need, with the rest staying preserved for future meals. This is especially helpful for people living alone or those with changing schedules.

Pantry Staples Form the Foundation

Every kitchen needs reliable pantry staples to make countless meals. Our pantry section offers the building blocks for nutritious, affordable cooking.

Members can select from:

• Rice, pasta, and other grains
• Dried and canned beans and legumes
• Canned vegetables and fruits
• Soups and broths
• Cooking oils and vinegars
• Flour, sugar, and baking supplies
• Spices and seasonings
• Coffee, tea, and shelf-stable beverages

These items last a long time. This allows families to stock up and always have meal options available. For those new to cooking from scratch, pantry staples offer an affordable way to begin making more meals at home.

Fresh Bread and Baked Goods

Bread is important to many family meals. Our bakery section offers fresh bread and other baked goods that would otherwise be too expensive for many households on tight budgets.

The bakery section typically includes:

• Sandwich bread for school lunches and everyday meals
• Dinner rolls and specialty breads
• Bagels and English muffins
• Tortillas and wraps
• Occasional treats like donuts or pastries

These items are received fresh and made available to members quickly to ensure quality.

Beyond Food: Household Essentials

Food security involves more than just meals. Our Member Share Grocery Program understands that household and personal care items are essential but often strain limited budgets.

Our household section offers:

• Cleaning supplies including all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, and laundry detergent
• Paper products such as toilet paper and paper towels
• Food storage items like plastic bags and aluminum foil
• Basic home necessities that keep living spaces clean and functional

These non-food items aren’t covered by most government food assistance programs. Having them available through the MSGP is particularly valuable for households stretching every dollar.

Personal Care for Dignity and Health

Personal hygiene is basic to health, dignity, and job opportunities. Our personal care section offers essential items at the same big savings as our food products.

Members can select from:

• Soap, shampoo, and body wash
• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant and basic cosmetics
• Feminine hygiene products
• Shaving supplies
• Baby care items including diapers and wipes

Access to these products helps maintain health and confidence. This is particularly important for those looking for jobs or attending school.

Special Dietary Needs Accommodated

We know that many households have special dietary requirements due to health conditions, allergies, or personal choices. Whenever possible, our Member Share Grocery Program stocks options for those with specific needs:

• Gluten-free items for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
• Low-sodium options for those managing heart conditions or high blood pressure
• Sugar-free products for diabetic members
• Allergen-free items when available

While selection varies based on our current inventory, our goal is to ensure everyone can find suitable options regardless of dietary restrictions.

Year-Round Access and Seasonal Highlights

Unlike seasonal assistance programs, the Member Share Grocery Program operates year-round. This provides consistent access to nutritious food. Additionally, we offer special seasonal items that help families participate in holiday and cultural traditions:

• Thanksgiving turkey and traditional side dish ingredients
• Holiday baking supplies in December
• Back-to-school lunch and snack options in late summer
• Summer picnic and grilling supplies

These seasonal highlights help families maintain important traditions even during financial challenges.

Making the Most of Your Membership

The variety available through our Member Share Grocery Program allows members to choose items that best fit their lifestyle. You can combine fresh items with staples to create nutritious, budget-friendly meals. Our staff and volunteers can help with meal planning, food storage, and simple cooking techniques to help you get the most value from your selections.

We invite you to experience the difference at United Against Poverty’s Member Share Grocery Program. With our wide selection, big savings, and dignified shopping experience, we’re committed to supporting your family’s journey toward food security and self-sufficiency.

You can learn more about the Member Share Grocery Program here: https://unitedagainstpoverty.org/member-share-grocery-program/