July 26th, 2024
Imagine having access to nutritious food when you need it most. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) makes this a reality for low-income families and individuals by providing free emergency food assistance. Through TEFAP, 100% American-grown USDA Foods are distributed to our community partners, ensuring that no one goes hungry.
The process begins with the USDA purchasing excess food products from farmers, preventing waste, and supporting agricultural communities (per the Farm Bill passed in 2018). These foods are then made available to local agencies and food banks, including FARSB. By placing orders on the USDA website, we ensure our warehouse is stocked with essential items, which are carefully allocated and packaged for our partners' pantries and food distributions.
What does a USDA distribution look like?
Every partner in our network has unique needs and capabilities. Distributions are tailored to match each partner's storage capacity, volunteer or staff availability, funding, and insights into their community’s preferences. Currently, FARSB proudly collaborates with 34 active USDA Partners, including a tribal organization, to provide monthly food distributions across Riverside County.
Partners tailor their operating hours, with some hosting distributions once a month, others twice a week, the whole week, or even all month long. Depending on the needs of the community, partners also decide to host a drive-through or pick-up option.
Who is Eligible?
TEFAP offers vital food assistance to individuals of all ages who meet income guidelines. While the federal government sets the broad framework, states have the flexibility to define specific income limits, decide on the required documentation, and determine how they assess applicants. This approach ensures that the program can be tailored to meet the diverse needs of local communities.
Per federal civil rights regulations, TEFAP is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability. The only requirement for aid is that recipients meet the income requirements laid out by their state.
What if You Don’t Meet the Income Requirements?
According to USDA guidelines, recipients are expected to meet income requirements, although USDA partners are prohibited from denying assistance or requesting proof of income. They are mandated to provide service regardless of income status.
The TEFAP income guidelines require states to set their TEFAP income eligibility thresholds based on these federal poverty guidelines. This sheet must be displayed during distributions. The form outlines the income requirements for individuals or families to receive their allocated boxes.
Individuals must self-certify that they are within the TEFAP income guidelines, and household eligibility may be determined on monthly or annual income. Recipients are not required to disclose their income on any documents, as per USDA regulations. Partners must serve all individuals seeking USDA commodities.
What Food is Provided?
The types of food that TEFAP buys and distributes can frequently change, depending on the agricultural needs of the farmers and the preferences of the states. Though the specific type of food may vary, they all must meet nutritional requirements that meet the dietary guidelines set out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
· Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables and fruits
· Whole grains or enriched grain products like rice or pasta
· Protein foods like meat, fish, eggs, or peanut butter
· Dairy products
· Other essentials like cooking oil
How Much Food Do You Get?
Recipients are given one food box per month through TEFAP. They must fill out a form with their name, address, zip code, and household size. They also must specifically indicate that it is the first time during that month that they are receiving a food box.
Wrap-Up
TEFAP plays a crucial role in supporting low-income households by providing essential food items at no cost. Thanks to federal funding and dedicated legislation, this program helps countless individuals and families supplement their groceries, easing the burden on those in need.
If you or someone you know requires food assistance, please reach out to us for support. Visit FeedingIE.org or call us at (951) 359-4757.