The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) helps supplement the diets of Idahoans who are low-income by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost. TEFAP is a national hunger-relief program, in which the food is purchased by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and then distributed by The Idaho Foodbank through a network of community partners in eastern Idaho.
Go through each tab to acquire a complete education on how to administer this Federal program at your agency’s site.
Questions and Answers relating to The Idaho Foodbank’s participation in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Q: When will The Idaho Foodbank begin distributing TEFAP?
A: The Idaho Foodbank will begin distributing TEFAP food to the previously approved community organizations in early December 2015. Our intent is to start with the existing community organizations to minimizing any confusion for the individuals and families receiving the product; those in need of TEFAP food can continue going to the same location. The process for individuals/families to qualify for the product will remain the same.
Q: Is The Idaho Foodbank assuming responsibility for TEFAP distribution statewide?
A: No. The Community Action Partnership of Idaho (CAPAI) asked us to take on TEFAP distribution in eastern Idaho only. We were approached largely because we currently have hunger-relief programs and services in this area through our Pocatello facility.
Q: What does The Idaho Foodbank currently provide in eastern Idaho?
A: Last fiscal year, our Pocatello facility distributed more than 4 million pounds of food through 44 community partners and direct service programs in 16 counties. Our direct-service programs include Mobile Pantry, School Pantry, Backpack, and Share Our Strength’s Cooking Matters.
Q: The Post Register reported that Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) and South East Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA) are ending their involvement with the TEFAP program because it had become too expensive to administer. How will the Foodbank be able to administer the program more successfully?
A: Last fiscal year, 89% of the more than 16 million pounds of food we distributed statewide was donated. Donors support the Foodbank because they know that 94% of all donations go to programs and services that feed people who are hungry. Statewide, the Foodbank maintains a staff of under 60 people. Yet through distribution efficiencies and the support of a large volunteer base, we are able to maximize our impact. In other words, do more for less. This approach will enable the Foodbank to ensure TEFAP success.
Q: If I have a question or concern about my TEFAP distribution, who should I contact?
A: The Foodbank has assigned a TEFAP coordinator – Adam Hansen – who will be available to address your questions and concerns. Contact Adam by phone at (208) 602-4705, or email: adamhansen@idahofoodbank.org
[prettyfilelist type=”pdf,xls,doc,zip,ppt,img,mp3″ filestoshow=”1052,” hidefilter=”true” hidesort=”true” hidesearch=”true” openinnew=”true” filesPerPage=”3″]
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.