Providing Affordability with Dignity: The Member Share Grocery Program
Orlando is home to an organization that lifts families out of poverty through education, training, and essential needs. An innovative approach to food assistance, The Member Share Grocery Program (MSGP) through United Against Poverty is unlike traditional models, allowing for dignity in addition to affordability. The MSGP operates as a subsidized grocery program where members personally select the food and household items that best meet their needs.
The program works on a simple principle: members pay a small handling fee per item, allowing them to save up to two-thirds of their household food budget while maintaining the dignity of choice. This model creates a sustainable system that empowers individuals and families to manage their resources effectively while accessing essential items.
And it’s a great place for families to volunteer together!
United Against Poverty’s Member Share Grocery Program
Inside United Against Poverty’s MSGP facilities, members find a wide variety of products, including:
- Fresh produce and seasonal fruits and vegetables
- Refrigerated dairy products
- Frozen meats and prepared foods
- Pantry staples and canned goods
- Bread and baked items
- Personal care products
- Household essentials
The program focuses on providing nutritious, quality food options that support healthy eating habits for families facing financial challenges. With UAP’s refrigeration and freezer capacity, we can offer fresh and frozen items that are often unavailable through other assistance programs.
Beyond Traditional Charity Models
The Member Share Grocery Program represents a deliberate choice to move beyond traditional charity models. United Against Poverty developed this approach based on several core principles:
Dignity Through Choice
Everyone deserves the dignity of choosing what foods they bring home to their families. The ability to select items based on personal preferences, dietary needs, cultural traditions, and cooking capabilities preserves a sense of autonomy that is often lost in traditional food assistance programs.
Empowerment Over Dependency
By asking members to contribute a small handling fee rather than providing items for free, the MSGP creates a partnership rather than a dependency relationship. This small investment helps members maintain a sense of self-sufficiency and responsibility while still receiving substantial assistance.
Sustainable Support
The handling fees help offset operational costs, enabling the program to serve more people and maintain a consistent, high-quality product selection. This creates a sustainable model that can provide long-term support to the community.
Pathway to Self-Sufficiency
The MSGP is designed to be part of a broader approach to addressing poverty. The savings members experience free up resources for other necessities, education, or debt reduction. All these are steps toward greater financial stability. The program works alongside our other services, including the Success Training Employment Program (STEP), to create multiple pathways out of poverty.
Community Building
The experience creates natural opportunities for social interaction, reducing the isolation often experienced during financial hardship. Members can connect with each other and with UAP staff, building supportive relationships and expanding their support networks.
Learn More at unitedagainstpoverty.org/member-share-grocery-program
