Special holiday foods to be included with commodities

By Melinda L. Lucas

Pick-up dates for the November distribution of the commodity food program are Thursday, Dec. 8 and Friday, Dec. 9.

In addition to the regular foods, families who pick up next week will receive an extra “Christmas Bag” to make up for the “Thanksgiving Bags” that were scheduled to go out last month.

County justice of the peace James Breeden, who oversees the program, said that products were not available for the usual holiday bags in early November, so he is giving Christmas foods to make up for it.

“We know that some families were counting on that bag for their Thanksgiving meal, but we just weren’t able to get them,” said the judge. “It was out of our control, but we’re still very sorry we weren’t able to provide those.”

Next week, certified families in Moran should pick up their monthly commodity foods plus the Christmas bags at the Moran City Hall between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 8.

Albany families or individuals who are on the list can pick up their commodities Friday at the rear door of the JP office next to the courthouse from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

Recipients who are unable to pick up their food can send a signed and dated note with someone to pick up their commodities for them rather than letting the food go unclaimed.

Breeden said his office will also include new application forms for 2023 in the food bags and boxes.

“Everyone has to re-apply to receive commodities in the new year,” he said. “We will also have applications at our office, and they must be returned in December for the January distribution.”

The deadline for the 2023 applications in order the receive commodities at the January distribution is Dec. 31.

The food commodity program is federally funded and works to improve the health of low-income and elderly people at least 60 years of age by supplementing diets with nutritious USDA commodities.

Anyone new to the program can contact the JP office for the paperwork required to participate.