NEWS BITE

Foodbank Selected by USDA for New Missouri Food Program

National figures indicate that eighty percent of those served will be senior citizens. Participants who meet income guidelines will receive a monthly food package that includes items such as canned meat, vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, potatoes, and hot and cold cereal. According to the USDA, these packages do not provide a complete diet but provide a good source of nutrients typically lacking in the diets of senior citizens.

The Foodbank is now recruiting agencies to be distribution sites for CSFP food. Agencies such as senior housing complexes, senior meal sites and food pantries serving a high percentage of seniors are all in the target zone. According to Executive Director Frank Finnegan, "The most fulfilling aspect of this program is that it brings in additional food to Missouri. I’m always looking for ways to increase our distribution – but more importantly, this will increase the overall amount of food available in the community. Acquiring resources that already exist simply to put them under the Foodbank’s umbrella would be short-sighted. That’s why I’m so excited about this program. The community of social service agencies serving those most at risk – women, children, and the elderly, now have access to new food."

Ann McCormack, Chief of the Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance for the Missouri Dept. of Health and Senior Services, also sees this new-to-Missouri program as an opportunity to benefit more Missouri citizens. "The CSFP is not only a perfect match with what we are currently doing in terms of impacting the nutrition of our citizens, but is another step toward the goal of serving all types of people in our communities."

The first shipment of CSFP food arrives in June.

For more on CSFP, please visit http://www.dhss.state.mo.us/csfp/.