Commodity Program Expands Into Southern Iron County

Each month, approximately 250 Wayne County senior citizens are benefited by a commodity program that is sponsored locally by the Piedmont Nazarene Church. The program will be expanding into southern Iron County.

Pastor Gary Rhodes said Iron County is in the St. Louis service region. However, no organization had been servicing the southern Iron County area. Rhodes said that he contacted the proper people and was able to serve southern Iron County.

Senior citizens who live in Annapolis, Vulcan, and Des Arc are eligible to apply. The first food distribution will be June 15 in Piedmont. The commodities can be picked up by the registered person, a family member, a caregiver, or another designated person.

People may submit applications to Gary Rhodes, 219 Eckles Street, Piedmont, Mo. 63957 or take the application to the food distribution site at 222 N. Main Street (inside the former Z Manufacturing Building/old McMurry Chevrolet building on Main Street in Piedmont) between 2-4 p.m. June 15. Commodity distribution for people living in Wayne County will be from 1-3 on June 15.

The food that is distributed is through the Missouri Commodity Supplemental Food Program. CSFP works to improve the health of older persons (60 and older) by supplementing their diets with USDA commodity foods. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services administers the program.

To participate in the program, individuals must be Missouri residents and meet income eligibility requirements. According to Rhodes, senior citizens must have incomes at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.

A one-person household can make up to $1,307 per month and qualify for the program. A two-person household can make up to $1,760 per month. For each additional family member, add $453.

Food packages include a variety of foods, such as non-fat dry milk, evaporated milk, juice, hot or ready-to-eat cereal, rice or pasta, peanut butter or dry beans or peas, canned meat or poultry or tuna or salmon or egg mix, and canned fruits and vegetables.

By adding Iron County, Rhodes said that the Nazarene Church will be distributing 320 boxes of food each month.

“Thirteen years ago, we started with 75,” Rhodes said.

For more information, contact Pastor Rhodes or visit www.health.mo.gov/living/wellness/nutrition/foodprograms/csfp/index.php.