News : Food Assistance Available

On August 17, 2011 from 3 - 4:30pm, Wesley United Methodist Church, 516 2nd Avenue in Vinton will begin distributing food from the IOWA Emergency Food Assistance Program. Those with incomes at or below 185% of the Federal poverty guidelines are eligible. For example, a single person can make $1,679, a couple $2,268, or a family of four $3,446 per month gross, and be eligible. Also eligible are those participating in Supplemental Security Income, S.N.A.P. or FIP programs.

According to the Iowa Rural Food Pantry Survey conducted by HACAP, 23% of small town and rural Iowans can’t afford a balanced meal and 62% cut or skip meals regularly because they can’t afford food. Each month the commodity foods vary, but can include cereal, soup, canned fruits and vegetables, juices, peanut butter, tuna, rice, and instant potatoes.

Qualifying families will arrive at the church between 3 and 4:30pm on August 17, and will be prepared to sign a self-declaration of income statement. You will then pick up your sack of food. Please call 319-472-2581 for further information.