Recent statistics indicate that 42.2 million Americans live in food-insecure households. Sadly 8.4% of individuals facing food insecurity are over the age of 60 and 31% are children!
Hunger is a reality for too many across the country as well as in our own backyard. Feeding America estimates that 12.6% of all Kent County residents are food insecure. ACSET Community Action Agency (CAA) is addressing this need by providing supplemental food to low-income households and seniors in our community. We do this is through the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).
These programs distribute boxes of USDA food to eligible households. The boxes include a variety of pantry staples and vary depending on the food items available from the USDA. ACSET CAA partners with multiple distribution sites across the county to provide easier access to needed assistance. Nutritious food will be available to eligible Kent County residents on 100 different days in 2017.
Food distributions near you
CSFP: Kent County residents over the age of 60 who meet income requirements can receive monthly distributions at United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM), 1131 Chicago Dr. SW, Grand Rapids. The next distribution is Thursday, Jan. 19 from 2 to 8 pm or while supplies last.
TEFAP: Kent County households that meet income requirements can receive quarterly distributions at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 4150 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. The next distribution is Thursday, March 9 from 9 am to 3:30 pm or while supplies last.
Eligible residents do not need to register in advance. Visit ACSET CAA’s website to learn more about eligibility requirements, additional locations and dates for TEFAP and CSFP distributions.
Your Community in Action! is provided by ASCET Community Action Agency. To learn more about how they help meet emergency needs and assist with areas of self-sufficiency, visit www.communityactionkent.org
