Food Shelf

Food and Nutrition prevents people from being hungry with emergency food assistance and Commodities foods provided by the USDA (Department of Agriculture). The food provided in the form of "food shelves" helps people when in need. Staff help with nutrition information, shopping tips and ways to reduce the risk of a food emergency. Food is usually provided for at least a three day period or longer if circumstances require more. Each year more than 1,000 households are helped with food and donations from the community are essential to help meet this need.

Commodities are available and help many people to avoid running out of food from month to month. Commodities include food items such as canned vegetables and fruits, packaged fruits, pasta products, cereals, peanut butter, dry milk and more. Items will vary during the year. Income eligible households can receive commodities on a monthly basis.

Nutrition Education is offered, including one to one counseling. We use a curriculum called "Financial Fitness" that emphasizes basic budgeting, family communication around spending decisions and smart shopping. This information and instruction is aimed at helping people more effectively meet their family's nutritional needs by using their financial resources carefully.