The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Overview
TEFAP is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded program that purchases fresh, frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable food products that are sent to participating food pantries and soup kitchens for distribution to Indiana households. Qualifying households must meet an income requirement at or below 185% of current federal poverty income guidelines. TEFAP works with food banks to serve all 92 Indiana counties through more than 400 food outlets and mobile pantry operations. Participants may receive food no less than once per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a proxy and how do I use it?
A Proxy Statement allows food outlets to serve clients who are unable to visit a pantry during its hours of operation. Each recipient completes a Proxy Statement, signifying they meet income guidelines and designating an individual to receive food on their behalf.
When visiting a pantry, the designated proxy give the form to a pantry worker, provides a photo ID and signs the recipient’s Eligibility Certificate as their proxy. Proxy Statement forms are available in English, Spanish and Burmese.
How do I receive TEFAP food?
TEFAP food is available to all Indiana residents through food pantries, soup kitchens, and mobile distribution sites. Each site has specific days and hours of operation during which they distribute TEFAP food and must allow recipients to receive food at least once every 30 days. The amount of food is adjusted based on the size of the household. Recipients choose the items and quantities they want, within limits set by the pantry.
Most pantries have a specific area they serve. It may be a city, zip code, township, county, or the entire state. If a recipient does not live within a pantry’s service area, the panty must serve the recipient at the first visit and refer them to a pantry in whose service area they reside.
Are there specific programs for children?
Indiana TEFAP is in the early stage of initiating a pilot backpack and family meal box program for children who are eligible to receive benefits from Women, Infants and Children (WIC), Special Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
Are there pantries in schools?
There are currently some pantries in schools with more on the way. In order to host a TEFAP pantry in a school, the pantry must be open to the public. It may not serve only those attending the school.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
If your gross household income is at or below 185% of current federal poverty income guidelines, your family is eligible. Only four items of information are required to receive TEFAP food: an adult household member’s name, address, the number of household members, and a signature verifying the household meets income guidelines. A pantry is allowed to require proof of residence within their service area after the first visit.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Overview
CSFP is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded program that provides a monthly food package to seniors age 60 or older with income at or below 130% of current federal poverty income guidelines. The food package consists of cereals, juices, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry or fish, canned or dried beans or lentils, pasta or rice, shelf-stable milk, and cheese. CSFP works with local agencies that distribute food packages at various senior centers, housing complexes, and other community locations around Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am housebound or disabled. How do I pick up my food package?
A proxy is any person designated by an applicant/participant to obtain CSFP benefits on their behalf. Each applicant/participant may identify no more than two (2) individuals by completing form CSFP0005 Proxy Statement and designating the status as either permanent or one-time only.
How do I pick up my food packages?
When you become a participant, the local agency managing your area will advise you of the date, time, and place to pick up your food package each month. You or your proxy may pick up the food package. Your distribution site could be a senior housing complex, a senior center, a mobile delivery site, a drive-through mobile, or home delivery. Each local agency determines the method by which food packages are distributed. A recipient or proxy must show photo ID and sign for the food package.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
If you are at least 60 years of age and your gross household income is at or below 130% of current federal poverty income guidelines, you would be eligible. Applicants must provide proof of age, proof of residence, and document all sources and amounts of income.
Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
Overview
WIC FMNP is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded program that provides a once-per-season benefit of $24 to eligible WIC participants so they may purchase fresh, locally-grown, unprocessed fruits, vegetables and edible herbs from WIC-approved farmers at WIC-approved farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Participants receive nutrition education on how to select and prepare fresh produce and, in some locations, locally-funded programs issue matching coupons that may double the FMNP benefit. Eligibility and check distribution is determined by WIC clinics within their service areas around Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the program available?
FMNP checks may be issued from early June through September of each year, as long as supplies last. FMNP checks may be spent from early June through late October each year. Specific beginning and ending dates vary from year to year.
How are benefits issued?
Benefit are issued on a first come, first served basis. Once the supply is exhausted, issuance ends. Each local agency determines when, where, and how they issue their allotted checks. Checks may be issued at a scheduled clinic visit, on a clinic’s specific “Farmers’ Market Day”, farmers’ market or roadside stand.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Current WIC recipients, other than infants 4 months of age or younger, are deemed eligible. Only one eligible household member may receive benefits at any given time. If a participant spends the entire check set AND there is another eligible household member AND there are checks remaining to be issued, another eligible household member receive a benefit.
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Overview
SFMNP is a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) funded program that provides a once-per-season benefit to seniors age 60 or older with income at or below 185% of current federal poverty income guidelines. The once-per-season benefit of $20 may be used to purchase fresh, locally-grown, unprocessed fruits, vegetables and edible herbs from WIC-approved farmers at WIC-approved farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Participants receive nutrition education on the health benefits of various produce items and how those items may help in addressing specific health and nutritional needs of the elderly. Local senior service agencies determine eligibility and distribute SFMNP checks within their service areas around Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the program available?
SFMNP checks may be issued from early June through September of each year, as long as supplies last. FMNP checks may be spent from early June through late October each year. Specific beginning and ending dates vary from year to year.
How are benefits issued?
Benefit are issued on a first come, first served basis. Once the supply is exhausted, issuance ends. Each local agency determines when, where, and how they issue their allotted checks. Checks may be issued at a congregate meal site, local agency office, senior center, senior housing complex, farmers’ market or roadside stand.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
If you reside with the local agency’s service area, are age 60 or older, have gross household income at or below 185% of federal poverty income guidelines, you are eligible.
Current recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) or members of a Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) household are categorically eligible.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.