HPHB Announces New TDA Caseload
AMARILLO, Texas – February 27, 2023 – High Plains Food Bank is able to expand the Commodity Supplemental Food Program to serve more seniors in the Texas Panhandle. TDA has increased the caseload to 2,200 CSFP food boxes per month so that more seniors who meet eligibility guidelines are able to receive a food box each month.
In addition to the TDA caseload increase, any new clients or clients that have been placed on a waitlist may be eligible to receive the supplemental food box. This supplemental food box has been made possible by a geneorous donor who has allocated funds to support and help seniors in the Texas Panhandle. “Supply chain issues and lower caseload assigned by TDA forced us to run qualifying senior clients away and refer them to our local partner agencies, which has been very frustrating to clients and staff alike,” said Andrea Johnson, Assistant Director at High Plains Food Bank. “Thankfully, with a higher caseload and funding provided to us to serve panhandle seniors, we can continue to supplement every senior who qualifies with a food box moving forward.” Seniors who meet the age and household income requirements may enroll in the program by providing proper identification. For acceptable forms of identification and income guidelines and distribution dates and times please visit https:// www.hpfb.org/programs/senior-adult-foodprogram/
CSFP, the largest and most common senior adult food program, provides supplemental groceries to low income senior adults, ages 60 years and older. Each month, CSFP participants, receive a 25-30 pound box of shelf-stable groceries, valued at $60-$70, and a 2-pound block of commodity cheese to supplement their diets. Contents include a rotating menu of items including canned fruits, vegetables, animal proteins, cereal, dry beans and rice, pasta, peanut butter, liquid milk, and dry milk on alternating months. Any senior who meets the TDA Income Eligibility Guidelines may apply in person at any scheduled CSFP distribution and take home a senior food box the same day. For seniors appointing a representative to pick up a box on their behalf, an Application (English and Spanish) and Proxy Form may be filled out in advance and presented by their appointed representative (proxy), along with acceptable identification. For more information on the CSFP program, please visit HPFB.org or contact High Plains Food Bank at 806-374-8562.
About High Plains Food Bank High Plains Food Bank’s mission is to alleviate hunger in the Texas Panhandle. HPFB secures, sorts, stores, and distributes food to over 140 feeding partners, across the top 29 counties in Texas. These food pantries provide a safety net that provides food assistance directly to 1 in 7 neighbors, including 1 in 6 children, who struggle with food insecurity. In 2021, HPFB distributed 8.2 million pounds of food. To combat food insecurity and improve the overall health of the people we serve, HPFB provides a variety of community programs, including: Kids Cafe, Direct Mobile Distribution, a senior adult food box program (CSFP), Mobile Harvest produce distribution, and nutrition education through The Garden at High Plains Food Bank. HPFB can also help individuals apply for SNAP, CHIP, and Medicaid and refer them to other organizations and programs that can help them establish food security, improved health, and self-sufficiency.
In addition to fighting hunger and supporting better health, food banking decreases waste by distributing food that would otherwise go uneaten to people who need it.