Posted On September 27, 2012 By In kpfa With 2783 Views

Assistance Programs

Assistance Programs

Business Outreach/Community Awareness Committee

As we all know, the effects of our past disastrous season have left many of our families, permit holders, crewmembers, friends and businesses in a very tenuous financial position. This disaster of a season may leave some of us without the ability to make ends meet. While we work with our legislators to help with funding of the recent disaster declaration many will be struggling to provide sustenance for their families.

Recently the Business Outreach/Community Awareness Committee members, Chair Ken Coleman and Megan Smith met with Ms. Linda Swarner, Executive Director of the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank to get some input regarding how families might use the Food Bank services if it becomes necessary for them to supplement their food budget.

Please see below the distribution programs that are available through the food bank or go to www.kpfoodbank.org for more details which includes income guidelines. You may also contact them via phone at 262-3111. Note: the income guidelines are for the current year, not the prior year. In addition the Food Bank provides lunch/soup served at the Fireweed Diner Soup Kitchen 11:30AM to 2:30PM, Monday – Friday.

The Kenai Salvation Army offers a similar food distribution program and may be contacted at 283-3879.

KPFA will continue to disseminate information that may be helpful to fishing families.

Food Bank Programs (USDA Distribution Programs): www.kpfoodbank.org

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

USDA commodities (canned & dry goods) may be received once per month based on the most recent Income Guidelines (135% of the poverty level).

The Emergency Food Assistance (FEFAP)

The United States Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) commodities are distributed under The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) solely for the benefit of household consumption to low income individuals and families. Depending on availability, foods may include canned fruits, vegetables, meats, mild, and dry goods such as cereals, rice, pasta, potatoes, and nuts.

Emergency Food Program

  • • Mostly perishable items
  • • Once per month
  • • Available to anyone who walks in the door!

Frequently asked questions:

Who is eligible for TEFAP?

Households with an income which does not exceed 185% of the poverty level as established by the federal government.

How do I apply for TEFAP?

The Kenai Peninsula Food Bank Office has applications available.

How often can I receive TEFAP?

TEFAP is available to each household once each calendar month. Recipients can register at only one TEFAP distribution center. Recipients can change TEFAP distribution center once per year.

Does TEFAP replace other food assistance?

No. TEFAP is provided in addition to the direct service emergency food boxes available at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank.

Where can I get TEFAP?

TEFAP is available at the Kenai Salvation Army and at the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank.

When can I get TEFAP at the food bank?

TEFAP commodities will be distributed Monday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

TEFAP Income Guidelines:

Effective Oct. 1, 2011 to Sept. 30, 2012

House Hold Size Yearly Income
1 $25,160
2 $34,003
3 $42,846
4 $51,689
5 $60,532
6 $69,375
7 $78,218
8 $87,061
9 $95,904
10 $104,747
11 $113,590
12 $122,433
Additional Members Add

$8,843

Income is the money received by any member of the household before deductions as taxes and Social Security.

It includes the following:

Salary or wages; earnings from self employment, including fishing & farming; welfare & unemployment; child support & alimony; strike benefits; Social Security, pensions, retirement & disability payments; & other cash income received or withdrawn from any source which would be available for payment of a child’s meal. Each household member’s PFD must be prorated as contributing to the total monthly household income. Food stamp benefits are NOT included.

Household or Family is defined as followed: A group of related or unrelated individuals who are living as one economic unit.

State of Alaska Public Assistance Programs:

http://dhss.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/default.aspx

If you would like a full copy of the Kenai Peninsula Food Bank Brochure we can provide it in a pdf format or call the office and we will mail you a copy.

Ken Coleman, Chair