CSFP Agencies
It is estimated that over 70% of seniors eligible to receive food assistance are currently not signed up to get it. Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes is committed to reducing this statistic, and has found one way to do it by organizing a collaborative of organizations to launch the federally-funded Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) distribution in Kalamazoo County.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program provides nutritious food to seniors 60+ years of age who live at 130% of poverty and mothers who are not receiving WIC assistance. Food valued at $50 is distributed once a month, and should provide 12-15 days of complete, balanced meals. The exact food items distributed through the CSFP program are determined by the State of Michigan and include things like cereal, beef stew, juice, and pasta products.
Administered by Community Action, CSFP has been running successfully in several counties in southwest Michigan since 2009. Community Action has agreed to partner with Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes to launch this initiative in Kalamazoo County. After the start-up, Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes will provide the food; Senior Services, Inc. will provide volunteers and registration services; Area Agency on Aging IIIA will provide outreach; and The Salvation Army will provide the space to distribute the food each month.
This is a perfect example of non-profit agencies working together to promote a common good. Pre-registration is required, and will take place 1:00-4:00 PM on July 6, then 2:00-3:00 PM on July 13, 20, and 27 at Senior Services, Inc., 918 Jasper Street in Kalamazoo. Please consider volunteering for this noble effort by calling Senior Services, Inc. on 269-382-0515.
About Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes – Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes, Kalamazoo County’s emergency food network, provides emergency food to hungry people in Kalamazoo County through its Grocery Pantry, Agency Meal-Support, Mobile Food Initiative, Commodity Supplemental Food, and Weekend Backpack programs.
About Senior Services, Inc. – since 1963, Senior Services, Inc. has been helping older adults stay as independent as possible as long as possible by providing in-home care, Meals-On-Wheels, home repair, volunteers, nursing, information and assistance.
About Community Action – Community Action is dedicated to promoting economic and social opportunities that help people achieve greater independence, dignity, and self-sufficiency.
About The Salvation Army - The Salvation Army Kalamazoo Social Services Department is dedicated to serving the local community by assisting with utilities, food, holiday giving, and disaster relief.
About Area Agency on Aging IIIA - Serving Kalamazoo County, the AAA IIIA is designated by the Michigan State Office of Services to the Aging to provide leadership on aging issues, advocacy, unbiased information and assistance, and person centered care consultation services.
