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 On the first and third Tuesday of each month, the Food Bank distributes 60 boxes of food to a rapidly growing segment of the population that fall through the cracks of the system. The 40 to 60 pound box of food is to help supplement their pantries during the month. Most of the recipients are low-income, elderly people who receive $10 or less in food stamps each month. Their income level, although very low, keeps them from receiving more. They are living on small Social Security checks, and have Medicare or Medicaid with no private insurance. The high price of medicine alone forces them to make hard decisions on whether to buy their medication or buy food to eat. Others must decide on paying the utility bill or buying food, not to mention paying rent.
Recipients of the program are qualified through the Department of Health & Human Services. The case workers hand out food vouchers to 120 people each month. The Food Bank would like to help more, but we cannot depend on having a good variety of donated food available and must purchase many of the items in order to pack a healthy box for this aging population.
It is a good program, and the need is growing. If you are interested in making a donation or becoming a monthly supporter of the Fill-A-Pantry Program, please click “Donations”.
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