Neighbors Helping Neighbors: Meeting Local Needs in the Elk Rapids Area

Having access to nutritious, healthy food is critical to sustaining a thriving community. Individuals and families can move in and out of having this access, however, for any number of reasons, from loss of employment and sudden illness to the rising cost of groceries outweighing the income coming through the door.

To support local individuals and families during these moments or for the longer term, Elk Rapids Community Cupboard, in partnership with the Northwest Food Coalition and the Farm2Neighbor program, is open and ready to assist anytime.

As a nonprofit food pantry, the Community Cupboard supports individuals and families in the Elk Rapids School District, including the towns of Elk Rapids, Williamsburg, Kewadin, and Rapid City. The Cupboard provides an inclusive, judgement-free environment for grocery shopping every two weeks on Tuesday evenings from 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm and Friday mornings from 8:30 am – 9:30 am.

Cupboard clients are encouraged to come into the pantry and select the items they need, just as you would in a grocery store. Items available include chicken, beef, canned tuna, hot dogs, fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms, bread, pasta, canned tomatoes and sauces, cereal, margarine, eggs, toiletries, paper products, and more.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Cupboard’s services, please visit our website at www.elkrapidscommunitycupboard.com or call/text our Pantry Director, Pam Coleman at (847) 455-8239 or email erccfood@gmail.com.

Support Your Community by Supporting the Cupboard

The number of clients we serve has increased by 54% since the beginning of 2025. To support our local community, the Cupboard relies on financial and item donations from community members like you.

Donations of non-perishable and non-expired foods and toiletries are accepted 24/7 outside the Cupboard entrance at the corner of Chippewa and Spruce Streets or at Elk Rapids News during working hours.

Gifts of all sizes are also welcome online at www.elkrapidscommunitycupboard.com/i-want-to-give or by mailing a check to Box 572, Elk Rapids, Michigan, 49629. Donations are the lifeline of our Community Cupboard.