TRAVERSE CITY -- UpNorthlive's facebook fans voted to hear more about a program helping families with free food.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (C.S.F.P) is available to people in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Leelanau Counties. The USDA program is income based for seniors over the age of 60, women who are either pregnant, breastfeeding or one year postpartum, infants/children under the age of six and not on the WIC program.
The boxes are available once a month at different pick up locations in each of the counties listed. They are filled with nutritious items such as dairy, proteins, vegetables, fruits and cereal.
"It's about a 40 pound box of food worth about $45 each month so it does save significantly on their grocery bill and then they can use that money for their electric bills or their house payment," explained Kristin Brady, Community Service Director.
The income guideline for seniors:
single person - must make less than $14,079/year
two people - must make less than $18,941/year
The income guideline for mothers:
two people - must make less than $26,954
You must bring proof of income and proof of residency to take part in the program. More information can be found by calling 231-947-3780 or 1-800-632-7334.
The distribution schedule:
| Benzie County | 2nd Monday | 11:00-12:00 | 1st Congregational Church, 900 Barber St., Benzonia |
| Grand Traverse County | 3rd Monday | 11:00-1:00 | East Bay Township Hall, Three Mile Road, Traverse City |
| Grand Traverse County | 3rd Monday | 5:00-6:00 | NMCAA, 3963 Three Mile Road, Traverse City |
| Kalkaska County | 2nd Wednesday | 10:00-11:30 | Kalkaska Senior Center, 330 Coral Street, Kalkaska |
| Leelanau County | 3rd Tuesday | 12:00-1:00 | Connie Binsfield Bldg, 7410 E. Duck Lake Rd., Lake Leelanau |
| Antrim County | 2nd Wednesday | 12:30-1:30 | Community Lighthouse, 430 W. State Street, Mancelona |
