LEWISTOWN — Beginning July 1, Mifflin County will receive an allocation of the State Food Purchase Program funds from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The Mifflin County Commissioners wish to advise food distribution systems that proposals for funding are now available through the Human Services Department at 20 N. Wayne St., Lewistown, or on the website at www.co.mifflin.pa.us, then clicking the link to human services.

Each year, the Pennsylvania legislature provides funding to support the State Food Purchase Program. In FY 2020-21, the Pa. Department of Agriculture awarded Mifflin County $68,548 in funding to support the SFPP. Four emergency food distribution programs received funding, Salvation Army, Bible Baptist Food Pantry, Calvary Bible Food Pantry and Grace Covenant Church Hand of Grace Ministries. Additionally, Abuse Network received funding for its food program and Bible Baptist received a small amount of support for its soup kitchen. Churches or other groups with 501c3 status wishing to start new programs are asked to contact the Human Services Department at (717) 242-5452 for technical assistance. Soup kitchens are allowable.

All 501c3 non-profit emergency food distribution programs (including pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters) in Mifflin County are eligible to apply for funding from this program. Funds are issued in the form of credit for shared maintenance, direct or wholesale bulk buying programs administered by the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Other purchases are reimbursable. The Central Pa. Food Bank is the county’s primary wholesaler for this program and any SFPP recipient must become a member of CPFB. Applications for funding will be reviewed by the Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board at its June meeting. Applicants will be notified by July 1 of contract requirements.

Mifflin County agencies that serve low-income persons with food delivery may be eligible for SFPP funding for services that meet the grant criteria. Specific requirements of the program are outlined in the SFPP Request for Proposal. An RFP and supporting documents must be reviewed and approved before funding is secured. Any agency wishing to submit a proposal or request additional information should contact Allison Fisher at the Mifflin Juniata Human Services Department, 20 North Wayne St. Lewistown, PA 17044 The telephone number is (717) 242-5452. Requests can also be emailed to afisher@mifflinco.org. RFPs are now available. One original and one copy of the RFP is due back to the Human Services Department by noon June 19.