Community Services
10. Brown Bag Program
Through this program, local organizations distribute surplus and donated food to low-income residents who are age 60 and older. The organizations obtain the food from farmers, manufacturers, grocery stores, and food banks.
Voluntary contributions are encouraged, although there is no fee to participants, and program guidelines mandate that no one will be denied food or services because of a failure to donate.
The food is distributed at various locations throughout the state; the types and amounts of food distributed vary depending on the season and other factors.
The program was set up to for a number of purposes, including:
- Easing availability and accessibility of surplus food to target populations and underserved areas;
- Improving distribution of that food through continued program development that promotes independence and quality of life for seniors living on low incomes;
- Collaborating with and offering technical assistance to other county and state agencies involved with providing safe, edible, and wholesome food to the public; and
- Integrating food programs serving seniors into the community-based system of care.
Volunteers, the majority of whom are older individuals, help provide sort and distribute these food items, which also benefits them directly.
For more information, call the Department of Aging and Adult Services at 800-510-2020.