Government Programs

The Divine Sent Food Cupboard participates in several Government programs to help feed the hungry. Regardless of qualification to receive food assistance from the government, donated food may be available through the Divine Sent Food Cupboard upon completion of the Self Declaration of Need Form. All food programs are equal opportunity.

 
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State Food Purchase Program (SFPP)

The state of Pennsylvania provides state revenues for an emergency assistance food program for its low-income citizens. The State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) provides cash grants allocated to the County Commissioners who then disperse monies to lead agencies in their county.  Hunger relief organizations use the SFPP grant dollars to purchase nutritious food at wholesale, competitively bid prices, or better. Food is then allocated and received at the Divine Sent Food Cupboard for distribution to individuals and families that qualify.

Residents of households receiving any of the following may be eligible to receive food after completing a Self Declaration of Need form:

  • Unemployment compensation

  • SNAP (food stamp) benefits

  • Cash assistance

  • Medical assistance

  • Household income is at or below 150% of the U.S. poverty level (same as TEFAP)

  • Those experiencing a crisis situation, such as fire, are also eligible

 
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The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program, designed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food and nutrition assistance at no cost.

Eligibility for TEFAP depends on household income and family size and completion of a Self Declaration of Need form. You may visit the TEFAP website to view the eligibility requirements by clicking here.

 
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Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

The Divine Sent Food Cupboard, in collaboration with the Chester County Food Bank, participates in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which is a Federal program that works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. Seniors that are eligible to join the program throughout the Oxford service area will receive a box of nonperishable food and fresh cheese, along with nutrition information and tips, on a monthly basis at no cost.

There are gross monthly income (the amount before taxes or other deductions, such as Medicare) requirements to participate in this program. Interested seniors should contact the Divine Sent Food Cupboard (Phone Number 610-932-3377) to discuss eligibility and to request a time to register. Seniors must register in the County in which they live and must show the following proof of eligibility:

  1. Proof of age, identity and PA County residency (such as a Driver’s License, Photo ID Card or Passport)

  2. Gross Household Income (the amount before taxes or other deductions, such as Medicare) - Original source proof (such as check stubs, annual statement from the Social Security office, income tax returns or W-2) of each type of income received by the senior and all other members of the household (regardless of age), such as Social Security, Pension, Disability, Wages and Unemployment Compensation

 

Additional Government Programs

In addition to supplying food, we provide additional information to aid our clients in applying for other services such as the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medical Assistance, and emergency housing.