Food Bank of NEA to distribute commodities

The Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas will be distributing commodities in St. Francis County on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. until noon.

The drive-though distribution will be held at the Larry Bryant Multi-Purpose Wellness Center, located at 2510 S. Washington in Forrest City.

"We assisted 424 households and 531 total people in August," said Sheila Wilson, development assistant with the Food Bank of Northeast Arkansas.

According Keith Livesay, USDA Coordinator for FBNEA, those receiving the USDA food must reside in St. Francis County. Recipients must also meet the income guidelines that have been set for the emergency food assistance program.

At the time of the distribution, information cards will be filled out for all recipients. Recipients will need to provide the following information: name, address, family size and combined monthly income of the household. An appropriate form of identification such as a driver’s license, social security card, or picture identification card must be shown.

"This time we will have our nonperishable boxes and some produce," said Wilson.

Wilson also said the Food

Bank in Jonesboro is always looking for help from social groups that need volunteer hours or other good Samaritans.

"We are always looking for volunteers to assist in Jonesboro," said Wilson. "We need help with packing our nonperishable boxes we use at each food distribution in our area."

Wilson said those wanting to volunteer should call her at the Food Bank.

"Or Jordan Griffin, our development officer, to schedule a volunteer time," added Wilson.

Recipients will only be allowed to pick up commodities for themselves and one additional household. To pick up food items for a shut-in, elderly person or other qualified household, the person picking up the food must have a signed Authorization Slip with the following information on it from the person he or she is picking up for: name, address, family size and combined monthly income of the household receiving the food. Case workers picking up for large groups must make prior arrangements with the USDA Coordinator.

For more information about the distribution or information regarding eligibility for this program, contact Livesay at 870932-3663.