Fiscal Year: July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011

Allocation: Mifflin County

Get the SFPP RFP documents for applying for funds.

Patronage: Pennsylvania is one of the four states in the nation to fund with state revenues an emergency assistance food program for its low-income citizens. This is the largest program of its kind and it reflects the Commonwealth’s determination to address the problem of nutrition and hunger. Grants are allocated to the County Commissioners for distribution.

Background: The State Food Purchase Program, SFPP, started in 1982 during the height of the recession to address the subsequent strains placed on volunteer charitable organizations for emergency food distribution during a time of increasing unemployment.

SFPP Allocation History:

Purpose: The intention is to supplement the efforts of food pantries, soup kitchens, regional food banks, feeding programs, shelters for the homeless and similar organizations in their work to reduce hunger.

Eligibility: Residents of households receiving any of the following are eligible for this service: Unemployment compensation, food stamps, cash assistance, medical assistance or those whose household income is at or below 150% of the poverty level. Also eligible are those experiencing a crisis situation, such as fire. Applicants complete a Self-Declaration of Need form.

Target Population: Those who are homeless, low-income, or who are in a crisis situation are the primary recipients of this program.

Program Services: Food may be used in serving meals or in providing groceries.

Restrictions: No food purchased through the program may be sold or offered for sale, or in exchange for property or services. The Lead Agency is responsible for services where there are gaps in the delivery of services. Priority is placed for purchase of readily consumable PA food products. Transportation, storage and related administration costs up to a maximum of 8% of the total county allocation are also allowable program costs.

Service Providers: