Muskegon County voters passed a 0.5 mill Senior Millage in 2016. The funds collected are awarded to organizations that apply through a grant process administered by Senior Resources, with approval by the Muskegon County Commission. Service providers and municipalities receive funding that support the independence of older adults or enrich their lives through senior focused programing.
Since 2020, some of this funding has been sent directly to Muskegon County municipalities. Fruitland Township applies for and receives an allocation of this funding each year. The Township Board then decides how to use that funding to support Fruitland Township Senior Residents.
During the 2022-23 Fiscal Year we were able to provide over 400 Fruitland Township Senior Residents with vouchers to our Ecology Station and local Farmer’s Markets. We also worked with AgeWell Services to offer a free 6 week yoga class for 6 residents, as well as supporting their Safe Seniors program. We also allocated money to the White Lake Senior Center for them to use for improvements to their programming.
Fruitland Township Board of Trustees also voted in March 2023 to allocate some of the federal American Rescue Plan Act monies to support senior residents in Fruitland Township. The Board voted to allocate money to the Viking Athletic Center to allow Fruitland Township Senior residents to have free access to their walking track, exercise room, cardio equipment, pickleball, golf hitting nets and selected classes. At least 169 Fruitland Township Seniors have registered to use the VAC via this program.
Funding was also allocated to Living Word Senior Services for lawn care and snow removal services for Fruitland Township Seniors. This program is limited and is need based. During Summer 2022, this program helped at least 5 Fruitland Seniors with their lawn care and also helped at least 16 residents with their snow removal through the winter.
Fruitland Township has received its allocation of the 2025-2026 Senior Millage Grant funds. The Township Board voted to use the funding to support our senior residents by supporting the White Lake Senior Center, partnering with AgeWell Services of West Michigan, hosting a Senior Palooza event and by providing vouchers for our Ecology Station, the Montague Farmer’s Market, the Muskegon Farmer’s Market, and the White River Light Station. All persons 60 years of age or older shall be eligible for all of the services mentioned.
For 2025, each HOUSEHOLD will be eligible for ONE of EACH of the following vouchers.
· Ecology Station – $20 punch card
· Montague Farmer’s Market – $10 coupon
· Muskegon Farmer’s Market – $10 tokens
· White River Light Station – one ticket per individual (two per household)
We will begin offering vouchers starting on Monday, June 2, 2025.
There are a few options to reserve your vouchers:
· The easiest and most efficient way to get your vouchers is to fill out the form at https://fruitlandmi.gov/senior-millage/
· If you are unable to fill out the form online, you can call the Township Hall during normal business hours, Monday – Thursday, 7:30am – 4:30pm
· Visit Senior Palooza on Saturday, June 28, 2025 to order and/or pick up in person
If you order on the website or by phone, your vouchers will be ready to be picked up the following business day. During especially busy times, we may need you to be patient while we assist other residents.
The vouchers are limited and are issued on a first come, first serve basis. You must show your ID to receive your vouchers.
Fruitland Township Board of Trustees also voted to allocate some of the federal American Rescue Plan Act monies to support senior residents in Fruitland Township. The Board voted to allocate money to the Viking Athletic Center to allow Fruitland Township Senior residents to have free access to their walking track, exercise room, cardio equipment, pickleball, golf hitting nets and selected classes. Please contact the Viking Athletic Center to set up your membership and get your free access card.
Money was also allocated to Living Word Senior Services for lawn care and snow removal services for Fruitland Township Seniors. This program is limited and is need based. To inquire please contact Living Word Senior Services at 231-720-0484.
Click here for more information about our senior event, SENIOR PALOOZA 2025
