Monroe County residents facing food insecurity will have access to vital resources through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) distributions scheduled throughout March and April. The program, designed to supplement the diets of low-income individuals and families, will offer food at multiple locations across the county, providing a critical lifeline for those struggling to develop ends meet. Eligibility for TEFAP is tied to income levels and participation in other assistance programs, reflecting a coordinated effort to reach those most in need.
TEFAP distributions are particularly important as many families continue to navigate economic challenges. According to the USDA, the program aims to strengthen the nation’s food security network by providing commodities to food banks and other organizations that serve individuals and families experiencing hunger. The program’s income requirements are based on 300% of the federal poverty guidelines, currently set at a monthly income limit of $3,913 for a single-person household and $5,288 for a two-person household, as established by federal standards. USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Upcoming Distribution Dates and Locations
Participants are limited to receiving food from one distribution site per quarter. The following schedule details the upcoming TEFAP events in Monroe County:
- March 4, 4-5 p.m.: Dundee United Methodist Church, 645 Franklin St., Dundee
- March 5, 9:30-11 a.m.: Bedford Goodfellows at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Community, 8330 Lewis Ave., Temperance
- March 5, 4-5 p.m.: London Township Hall, 13613 Tuttle Hill Road, Milan
- March 10 & 24, 10 a.m.-noon: Zion Lutheran Church, 8307 Memorial Hwy., Ottawa Lake
- March 11, 9-11 a.m.: River Park Plaza (residents only)
- March 11, 10 a.m.-noon: Luna Pier Baptist Church, 4265 Luna Pier Road, Luna Pier
- March 16, 11 a.m.-noon: Woodcraft Square (residents only)
- March 28, 10-11 a.m.: Lower Light Church Food Closet, 400 E. Elm St., Petersburg
- April 13, 10-11 a.m.: Redeemer Fellowship, 5303 Evergreen Drive, Monroe
Eligibility and Program Details
To qualify for TEFAP, individuals and families must meet specific income guidelines or currently receive benefits from programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP); cash assistance; or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Association of Health Care Journalists highlights the importance of these programs in addressing food insecurity.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program administered by the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. USDA Food and Nutrition Service provides commodities to states, which then distribute them to local organizations. This collaborative approach ensures that food reaches those who need it most within communities like Monroe County.
For additional information regarding food distribution opportunities in Monroe County, residents are encouraged to visit the Monroe County Opportunity Program’s Facebook page at facebook.com/mcopmi. This resource provides updates on available programs and assistance for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity.
As Monroe County continues to address the ongoing needs of its residents, TEFAP distributions represent a crucial component of the local food security network. Future distributions and program updates will be announced through local channels, ensuring continued access to essential resources for those who rely on them.
What are your thoughts on the TEFAP program? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
