Jasper County is continuing its partnership with Polk County for additional food supplies for seniors. The Board of Supervisors renewed the memorandum of understanding between the two counties on August 27, which remains relatively unchanged aside from a slight price increase.

Connie McQuiston, Jasper County’s director of general assistance, said the program provides non-perishable food boxes to eligible seniors. The price per box would increase from $5 to $6 in fiscal years 2026 and 2027. Polk County has maintained its $5 per box price for more than 20 years.

“Given the cost of food, gas, utilities, etc., they felt it was necessary to adjust the prices so that they could at least break even with this program,” McQuiston said of the $1 price increase. County supervisors were undeterred, however, and seemed to understand the need for the additional payment.

According to a copy of the letter of intent included in the supervisor’s agenda, Polk County is responsible for coordinating recruitment, enrollment and orientation of program participants. Polk County is also responsible for ordering, handling and storing all food in accordance with state and federal regulations.

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

The Commodity Supplemental Foods Program (CSFP) provides not only food but also free nutritional counseling for seniors age 60 and older. Available foods include bottled juice, canned fruits and vegetables, hot and cold cereals, cheese, peanut butter, beans, pasta, long-life milk and powdered milk.

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

The program is available to residents of Boone, Dallas, Jasper, Polk, Story and Warren counties. McQuiston said the food packages are delivered once a month to the Salvation Army in Newton, which then distributes them to program participants throughout Jasper County with the help of volunteers.

Participants must meet or fall below the following income guidelines:

• Single family with a gross annual income of $19,578 ($1,632 monthly)

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

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

• Additional members increase gross annual income by $6,994 (plus $583 monthly)

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