What is the Baby Pantry?
The Baby Pantry
was founded in 2003 by St. Philip’s Episcopal Church members. We collect or buy and distribute diapers, baby food, clothing, books, and other supplies at no cost to families from three counties. There is no income requirement and the minimal information we collect is for the express purpose of sharing our story with donors and granting agencies so that we can serve our families better.
The Good News Gardeners, another St. Philip’s ministry, grow vegetables and herbs for distribution to our families in the summer months. We are members of the west Michigan chapter of the Order of Naucratius, which collects freshly caught fish and game for distribution to families in need of protein. We freeze and distribute these donations when they are available.
When/how can I visit the Baby Pantry?
If you are the parent or guardian of a child (beginning at 7 months gestation through age 5) and you live in Benzie, southern Grand Traverse, or northern Manistee Counties, you qualify. We don’t ask questions about annual household income and only collect information that will help us get more resources to help you and your family thrive.
Stop by on the first and third Saturdays of every month or use the form on our Curbside Pick-up Page to place your order. Visit us on Facebook or use the Contact Us form for more information. We are here to help!Where is the Baby Pantry located?
We are located at 785 Beulah Highway at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in the building near the back of the parking lot.
How do I donate to the Baby Pantry?
Please see Donate to the Baby Pantry
How else can I help the Baby Pantry?
Baby Pantry “staff” are volunteers and members of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church. We care about the dignity, privacy, and sustainability of the Baby Pantry, so we adhere to best practices for Episcopal ministries. If you are drawn to this program, we encourage you to come worship with us on Sundays at 10am.
What we do across the parking lot is a direct response to what we experience in the community through our liturgy of word and sacrament. All are welcome at St. Philip’s, and after you’ve had a chance to get to know us, and you still feel called to serve at the pantry, set up a time to speak to our Outreach Team. They are happy to explore with you what the Spirit of God is inviting you into.
Where can I get more help for my family?
At the Baby Pantry, we are committed to our relationship with you as you navigate the challenges in raising children. From time to time area agencies come to us with resources they want to share with you. This list is not comprehensive and the links are to external organizations; we are not responsible for their content. If you notice a broken link or information that needs to be updated, please use the CONTACT US form so that we can fix it and keep this page as accurate as possible!
Car Seat Safety Inspection Stations
Safe Kids Worldwide is a GREAT resource for families with car seat-age children at home.
Two Traverse City fire stations offer car seat safety inspections. An inspection is essential if you are using a pre-owned car seat, and recommended even for new car seats, to ensure proper installation. Call 231-947-3000 extension 1234 for information or to make an appointment.
Food and Nutrition
Beginning in the spring of 2022, each family will be given a physical copy of this beautiful cookbook, thanks to a partnership grant from Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. Click on the picture for a peek at the cookbook.
Cooking classes are occasionally offered through a partnership between the MSU Extension Service and the Baby Pantry. Please follow us on Facebook for upcoming classes.
Double Up Food Bucks
When you use your Bridge Card, Double Up matches your fruit and vegetable purchases dollar for dollar, up to $20 a day. That means you and your family get twice the fresh fruits and veggies. You are eligible to use Double Up Food Bucks if you have an active EBT/Bridge Card or you are on SNAP.
How Double Up Food Bucks Works
Availability guide of when fruits/veggies are in season in Michigan
