Program Overview
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a Federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income households by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. Alaska Department of Education & Early Development administers the TEFAP program in the state. The program has been designed to make food available to needy persons through emergency feeding organizations which distribute foods purchased by the Federal government under agricultural support programs and additional nutritious and useful commodities. These food assistance commodities are usually more than domestic requirements complement the domestic nutrition needs and make maximum use of the Nation’s agricultural abundance.
Under TEFAP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture provides food to States. States provide the food to local agencies that they have selected to distribute the food to soup kitchens and food pantries that directly serve the public. These recipient agencies include emergency feeding organizations, charitable institutions, summer camps or child nutrition programs, nutrition projects, and disaster relief programs. It is the agency’s responsibility to manage and distribute the food that they receive from USDA. The amount received by these agencies can vary. This is due to the different numbers of unemployed and low-income individuals in a state. Many agencies in Alaska are authorized to distribute TEFAP commodities for household distribution.
TEFAP provides a variety of food, such as meats, eggs, vegetables, soup, beans, nuts, peanut butter, cereal, pasta, milk, and juice. In addition to that the state distribution agencies can also demand commodities such as beans, blueberries, catfish, cheese, cherries, chicken, ground beef, lentils, milk, mixed fruit, peaches, plums, pork chops, raspberries, strawberries, tomato sauce, and turkey.
The services that are provided under The Emergency Food Assistance Program in Alaska are as stated below:
- Emergency Box: Emergency food that is supplied for three to five days to needy individuals or families.
- Soup Kitchen – also known as Dining Room: These are the prepared meals individuals are provided with on locations.
- Food Cooperative Box: At the cost of $15 and %35, these are food packages that are distributed. Their value can be estimated at around $40 to $70.
- Mobile Pantry: Community locations are set up where food boxes are delivered.
- Home Meals: These are for the disabled and elderly. To make sure their needs are catered to, meals are prepared and delivered to those who are homebound.
- TEFAP Box: To ensure the availability of emergency food for three to five days, these boxes are distributed. They include the supply of USDA for individuals and families that can be labeled as needy.
- Snack/Meal Program: Needy children are a part of this program therefore they are provided with meals as well as after-school snacks.
Eligibility Criteria
Households that meet State eligibility criteria which include the income level of the household may receive food for home use. However, each state can adjust eligibility criteria to ensure that assistance is provided only to those households that are most in need. The requirements put forward by this program help to ensure that the needy people are helped first and foremost. Therefore, to differentiate between the applicants, the gross income of households is considered.
- It is important for this income to not exceed 185% of the federal poverty level.
- DEED-CNP annually provides Feeding America Food Banks and food pantries with updated federal poverty guidelines.
Income is considered money received by any member of the household before such deductions as taxes and Social Security including the following:
- Salary or wages
- Earnings from self-employment including fishing and farming
- Strike benefits
- Unemployment
- Welfare (but not food stamp benefits)
- Child support and alimony
- Social Security
- Pensions and retirement
- Disability payments
- Permanent Fund Dividend
- Other cash income received
The amount of the maximum gross income level before taxes should be equal to or less than,
Size Of Household | Maximum Annual Income Level ($) |
1 | $48,270 |
2 | $65,310 |
3 | $82,350 |
4 | $99,390 |
5 | $116,430 |
6 | $133,470 |
7 | $150,510 |
8 | $167,550 |
For each additional member add $17,040. The amount of annual income level might change from time to time depending on the changes in laws and regulations.
In case the applicants are eligible for Food Stamps, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Low-income Energy Assistance Program then they become automatically eligible for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
How to Apply
To become a candidate for this program, you do not have to complete a formal application. This eliminates the aspect of the interview as well. Instead, interested individuals have to simply visit the Congregate Meal Site. If they wish to be a consistent part of the TEFAP, they must bring the following items and sign in:
- Proof of Address. For this purpose, an individual can use documentation like a utility bill. Any documents verifying the current residential address can also be used. In the case of homelessness, it is expected for you to identify the cross streets or locations where you spend your nights.
- Distribution sites may ask for a Driver’s license, state ID
- A signed form of self-declaration. This document would include aspects that confirm that the individual meets the current income guidelines. It also states that the person will not sell or exchange the food they receive through this program. Moreover, it will also mention that the individual lives in the service area of the Food Pantry.
Congregate Meal Sites have been set up by the state of Alaska. These sites are also referred to as Soup Kitchens. They are operational during normal service hours. In case an individual visits this site during these hours, they can receive a prepared meal.
For Further Information
To get further information about the program you can visit USDA Food and Nutrition Service web page. Or visit The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) page for the state of Alaska. You can call the Program Coordinator at: (907) 465-8710
