Qualified Richland County seniors can now collect monthly commodities at the old Extension Office, located in the Nutter Building, 123 W. Main.
The Richland County senior commodities distribution center has moved to a new location, for what volunteer coordinator Eunice Lathrop hopes is for the last time. Qualified Richland County seniors can now collect monthly commodities at the old Extension Office, located in the Nutter Building, 123 W. Main. “Use the west door with the ramp,” says Lathrop. “We’ve waited for this move for two years. The ramp makes it easy to unload the semi and it also is user friendly for seniors using walkers or wheel chairs. This makes our senior commodities accessible for everyone.”
The senior commodities program supplies a variety of foodstuffs for eligible seniors over 60 years of age. Each senior receives approximately 35 lbs. of food each month, with supplies including canned goods, juice and some sort of protein such as beef stew or salmon. “This program is intended to supplement a person’s diet, so he or she eats nutritional food,” Lathrop remarks, “The food comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is shipped from Helena every two months. Action for Eastern Montana, Glendive, handles the paperwork and administers the program, but the food, approximately 6000 lbs. of it destined for Richland County, comes directly from Helena, and I administer the program from Sidney. I determine eligibility, help unpack the supplies, package the food for individual distribution, and see it gets distributed properly.”
Lathrop determines eligibility based on individual incomes. “Single people who have an income of $1180 or less qualify for the program, and two people with a combined income of $1594 or less also qualify,” she explains.
The program, available for all eligible seniors throughout Richland County, receives much needed assistance from local service organizations that volunteer time to help with the unloading of the commodities. “The Lions and the Kiwanis take turns unloading the semi when it arrives every two months,” Lathrop remarks. “We unload at 6:30 a.m. I also have a crew of six people who then help package and distribute approximately 3000 lbs. of food every month. Most seniors come and pick up their commodities every month, but we do make deliveries to those who are unable to come in person.”
Lathrop has served as volunteer coordinator for the Richland County senior commodities program since its inception in the late ‘90s. She feels the program provides essential service for low income seniors. “We want to be sure seniors have something of what they need as far as nutritional food in their home,” she remarks. “The program won’t feed them for a month but it will help. This is all about seniors helping seniors.”
She adds, “People think this is welfare, but it is not. These are supplies shipped by the Department of Agriculture. Seniors are often very proud and refuse this help, as they have worked all their lives and don’t feel they should take this food. However, eligible seniors deserve it and should take advantage of the program if they qualify.”
Lathrop currently has a case load of 96 seniors. The list of those who receive commodities changes nearly every month as circumstances change for individuals on the list. Therefore, if a senior not currently listed as a recipient would like to begin receiving food each month, he or she can contact Lathrop and be placed on a waiting list. “If I have a full case load, I put people on a waiting list,” Lathrop explains. “The list changes every month, so those who are waiting generally don’t have to wait too long before getting on the list.”
The next distribution of commodities will occur on Aug. 23 from 9 a.m.-12 noon at the Nutter Building, 123 W. Main, Sidney. Anyone who thinks they are eligible and would like to receive commodities each month may contact Lathrop at any time at 488-8126. “I have the applications,” Lathrop concludes. “The program is here, so if people qualify, they ought to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Reader Comments(0)