ACAP helps seniors receive free food

7 years ago

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) is partnering with Aroostook Area Agency on Aging to help County seniors to enroll in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).  

People 60 years of age and older who meet income requirements are eligible to receive a 30-pound box of food every month through this federal program. Each box contains wholesome food to help seniors have a nutritious diet and better health.

According to ACAP officials, the number of food boxes coming to Aroostook is more than tripling in the coming weeks, and they want to be certain that seniors who are eligible can receive this assistance.

Those eligible must meet monthly income guidelines of less than $1,307 per one-person household, $1,760 per two-person household and $2,213 per three-person household. Applications are available at Aroostook Area Agency on Aging, One Edgemont Drive in Presque Isle or at Aroostook County Action Program, 771 Main Street om Presque Isle.

Those who would like in-person assistance in completing the application may benefit from five different enrollment events, taking place at the following ACAP locations in Aroostook County:

Presque Isle: 771 Main Street, Monday, March 20, 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Fort Kent: 40 Alfalfa Drive, Monday, March 27, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Madawaska: 88 Fox Street, Monday, March 27, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Caribou: Wellness center, 55 Bennett Drive, Tuesday, March 28, 9:30-11:30 a.m.  

Houlton: 91 Military Street, Wednesday, March 29, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

This in-person assistance is being supported through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ACAP, Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems and the Partnership to Improve Community Health.

Upon completing the application and verifying income, successful applicants will receive a letter in the mail from the Agency on Aging with the location where they can pick up their food boxes every month. Food boxes will be made available at a nearby food pantry. Those who cannot make the trip may designate another person 18 or older to pick up the items.

For more information, contact Dawn Roberts, ACAP community education specialist at 554-4151 or e-mail droberts@acap-me.org.