Carol Wotring

We are grateful to the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) for its generous 1 year grant to the Manchester Community Resource Center, awarded in December 2025. The funding supports our work to help older adults in the Manchester area get the food they need.

Seniors are a big part of who we serve. About 35% of people in the Manchester area are seniors, but seniors make up 49% of CRC households. Senior visits also account for more than half of all visits to our food pantry.

Many older adults in our rural townships live on fixed incomes and have limited transportation. For some, the nearest affordable grocery store is a 40-mile round trip. AAACF’s support helps us keep our open-market pantry stocked with healthy choices, including diabetic-friendly and low-sodium options. It also supports our grocery delivery service for seniors who can’t get to us.

When we talk with seniors about their groceries, we often learn about other needs, like transportation, utility bills, or medical supplies, and we can help connect them to the right resources.

Thank you, AAACF, for investing in the health and dignity of older adults in our community.

As the weather cools and the holidays approach, many schools, churches, businesses, and community groups start planning food drives, and we are always glad to be on the receiving end. Every donation helps keep our pantry shelves stocked for neighbors in Manchester and the surrounding townships. If your group is thinking about hosting a drive, the list below shows the items we need most. It isn’t a complete list, and all contributions are welcome. We ask that food be unopened, in its original packaging, and within six months of the “sell by” date. If you have questions or want to arrange a drop-off, please give us a call at 734-428-7722. Thank you for thinking of the CRC!

Here is a link to our most needed items: 2026 CRC_Food_Drive_Flyer (Shareable)

During this closure if you are experiencing a food emergency you can search for pantries and distributions on Food Gatherers Food Resources Map here: https://www.foodgatherers.org/foodresources/

The Manchester Farmers Market opens on May 3, and the Community Resource Center will once again be offering our Wooden Nickels Program. Current CRC clients are eligible to receive up to $40 per month to spend at the Farmers Market. Wooden Nickels may be used to purchase produce, herbs, eggs, honey, and produce-producing plants.

This year, the Manchester Farmers Market will be open on Thursdays from 3–6pm and Sundays from 10am-2pm. CRC will have a table at the Thursday markets only, starting May 7. Current clients can pick up their Wooden Nickels there between 3 and 6pm. Nickels may be spent at either the Thursday or Sunday market.

Not a current client? You’ll need to complete a CRC application and provide proof of residency in our service area and proof of income before receiving Wooden Nickels. Just give us a call and we’ll be happy to walk you through the process.

CRC volunteers will also deliver farmers market produce to eligible households within Manchester city limits who are unable to get to the market.

This program is made possible by a generous gift from Chelsea Hospital. Thank you!

Join Us for CRC’s Annual Meeting!

Our Annual Meeting is set for Wednesday, March 18th, immediately following our regular Board meeting which begins at 5:30 PM.

These meetings are always open to the public and you are welcomed to attend. 

Both meetings will take place at the CRC offices, located within the Riverside Intermediate School. Please call us for directions or any questions you might have.