SENIOR FOOD BOX PROGRAM
The Senior Food Box Program provides a box of food every month to more than 2,100 low-income senior citizens. The box provides a supplement to the seniors’ normal purchases in an effort to ensure they receive foods of high nutritional value. Types of food included are: shelf-stable milk, juice, non-perishable dry goods, peanut butter, canned meat, poultry or fish and canned fruits and vegetables.
Helping Harvest delivers the boxes to over 100 sites throughout Berks and Schuylkill Counties. After applying, seniors are initially added to a waitlist and then moved to the active recipient list as food boxes become available.
If you are over 60 years old and your income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, you are eligible for free monthly food boxes.
| Household size | Annual | Monthly | Weekly |
| 1 | $23,475 | $1,957 | $452 |
| 2 | $31,725 | $2,644 | $611 |
| 3 | $39,975 | $3,332 | $769 |
| 4 | $48,225 | $4,019 | $928 |
| 5 | $56,475 | $4,707 | $1,087 |
| 6 | $64,725 | $5,394 | $1,245 |
| 7 | $72,975 | $6,082 | $1,404 |
| 8 | $81,225 | $6,769 | $1,563 |
| each additional |
$8,250 | $688 | $159 |
For more information email or call Lori Lowery – 610-926-5802 ext. 203 or llowery@helpingharvest.org
Additional Support for Seniors
Hunger and poor nutrition are unfortunately growing problems amongst our senior population. Lack of proper nourishment can lead to, or worsen, health issues that disproportionately affect seniors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. To help better nourish local seniors in need, Helping Harvest established additional supports for seniors (previously called Produce Plus and Mobile Direct). Through these supports, Helping Harvest delivers fresh and frozen perishable foods to primarily low-income senior housing facilities.