Supplemental food program renewed for Jasper County

Jasper County is continuing its partnership with Polk County for the supplemental food program services provided to senior citizens. The board of supervisors on Aug. 27 renewed the memorandum of understanding between the two counties, which remains relatively the same apart from a slight price increase.

Connie McQuiston, director of general assistance for Jasper County, said the program provides shelf-stable food commodity boxes to eligible seniors. The price per box would be increased from $5 to $6 in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Polk County has maintained its $5 per box pricing for more than 20 years.

“Now with food prices, gas and utilities and everything, they felt it was necessary to adjust that price so they could at least break even with that program,” McQuiston said of the $1 price increase, which did not deter county supervisors who seemed to understand the need for additional payment.

According to a copy of the MOU included in the supervisors agenda, Polk County is responsible for coordinating the recruitment, enrollment and orientation of the program participants. Polk County is also responsible for ordering, handling and storing all food items in compliance with state and federal regulations.

Jasper County in turn agrees to, among other things, compensate Polk County for each food package distributed to residents.

Commodity Supplemental Foods Program (CSFP) not only provides food but also nutrition education for the elderly ages 60 and over at no cost. Available foods include bottled juice, canned fruits and vegetables, hot and cold cereals, cheese, peanut butter, beans, pastas, shelf stable milk and powdered milk.

In order to be eligible for the program, seniors must prove they meet the age limit and they must meet income guidelines.

The program is available to those who live in Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Polk, Story and Warren Counties. McQuiston said the food boxes are delivered once a month to the Salvation Army in Newton, which then uses volunteers to distribute them to program participants throughout Jasper County.

Participants must meet or be below the following income eligibility guidelines:

• Family of one with gross annual income of $19,578 ($1,632 monthly)

• Family of two with gross annual income of $26,572 ($2,215 monthly)

• Family of three with gross annual income of $33,566 ($2,798 monthly)

• Additional members add $6,994 to gross annual income (add $583 monthly)

To learn more about the program, call 515-286-3655.