Up orlando center michigan st — Local services in Orlando

Basically the Florida version of a "food pantry" since it's mostly past expiration date food donated by grocery stores, or else, scratch and dent stuff that has not yet officially expired. In more liberal states, they'd give it to you for free; however, you'd be limited to one box per week. I assume the donating companies are getting a tax write-off.

That said, you can find some gems of high quality, especially when organic and boutique brands dump products that aren't yet expired.

Also, if you go the same day as Trader Joe's or other quality chains drop off their expired produce, cheese, meats, etc., you can clean up like it's Costco for a fraction of the price! Beware, though, since some days you can go and find very little you may want or need. But as a supplement to regular grocery stores, it's great!

That said, expect to wait in line to checkout 30 min+ the later it gets in the day since they have very limited staff who are overstretched (but are helpful and friendly) and much of the help comes from volunteers.

Also, be sure to compare prices because they tend to price some items ridiculously, especially coffee, protein powders, and some toiletries (but not always).

Relatedly, I complained to management about the price of expired coffee being higher than the same unexpired brands in normal stores several years ago and they not only ignored me, but then, the good coffee began disappearing from the shelves altogether. The same thing happened with kombucha. It used to be readily available for years, but I suspect somebody realized how valuable it is and now it never seems to hit the shelves anymore. I cannot prove it's being diverted elsewhere, but yeah.

Good news is they have been steadily improving the store's infrastructure, layout, cold storage, and general cleanliness.

They also sell scratch and dent household items and cleaning products next door at reasonable discounts (but again, be sure to compare online since the pricing can be very arbitrary.)

A medical clinic and job services are also available; but, I cannot comment on those services since I've never tried to use them.

Solid 3.5 stars...but I rounded up. Better pricing would add one star. Shorter checkout lines in the afternoon would add another half-star. But at least it's been tending in the right direction and helps to keep my family better nourished in these times of...

HONEST REVIEW:::

I’ve been here over 5x to see if my experience was a 1 time thing or a consecutive issue. To keep it short & sweet UP should be placing limits on how much these people are buying given there’s NO reason why any household needs 7 full boxes of ANYTHING. Each and every time I’ve gone and I know for a fact I am not the only one that feels this way. These people shopping here act like savages literally physically touching others to grab boxes of items the employees and volunteers are literally placing on shelves or designated areas. These people shopping have no manners and act literal animals. Last week I went, these 2 women together grabbed 6 boxes of fresh produce as volunteers were removing it from the pallet. There’s just no reason for 6 boxes filled to the brim of fresh produce to be for a household or even two clearly it’s for resale ( common sense).

Yes every time I’ve gone I have noticed a plenitud of expired items but a lot being canned items and some people don’t mind that so I’m just assuming it’s better to be sold than thrown out for some people.

I personally have always encountered helpful and kind employees and volunteers. One time a male manager did ask me why I had my AirPod Maxes on while “working” I’m assuming he was new or just clocked in given they have volunteers come and go weekly but I just nicely told him I was a customer not a volunteer and he quickly apologized.

I appreciate the help to the community especially in times we’re living in. I just wish they would have a store policy of the amount of boxes per registered consumer.

Also I feel as though they should recertify each consumer 1 year after their enrollment date to verify that in fact they necessitate these products and services. It would avoid resellers and other people that are not in true need to shop here.

Lastly, each and every time I’ve been here customers have been an absolute havoc to employees and volunteers. As an establishments should, management should back up and make their volunteers and employees feel assured and at ease given some of these customers exude hostile behaviors...

I heard about UP in social media in a group about food for people in need. So I went with all my paperwork, I did research first on the WEB. The thing is that this is somehow like a food pantry but you pay for the things you got (WE FEEL GREAT PAYING, a lot less) You don't know what you are going to find, but always good food, mostly organic meats, fresh veggies and fruits, canned, cereals, bread which is free, eggs, butter, milk, For babies too. I try to go once a month because my transportation, there is no limit on things you can buy, except for eggs right now. Seniors day is on Wednesdays you have an extra 5% less, student/military on Fridays. You find brand named food as a some expired but good food, they follow food safety protocols, never had an issue. You need to bring your bags, Staff is always happy and helpful. They open at 9:00 AM. Sometimes I need to wait for cart availability they accept credit cards, ATM, EBT. Love...