History of the Food Program

Shortly after founding Focus: HOPE, Father William Cunningham and Eleanor Josaitis decided to use intelligent and practical action to do something about poverty in their community. Armed with studies that demonstrated the permanent damaging effects of malnutrition on infants and young children, they sought Congressional approval of a program that would provide nutritious foods to young mothers and their infants and pre-school children. In 1971, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program was established within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The program was later expanded to include low income senior citizens.

Today, mothers and senior citizens who meet the income requirements can obtain a monthly allocation of food. It ensures that infants get formula and young children get nutritious foods. For senior citizens who are struggling to survive on meager incomes, it means they won't have to choose between prescriptions and food. This program is so successful that it is found 32 states.

Food is available at four locations in the Detroit metropolitan area. A cadre of volunteers package and deliver the food to homebound senior citizens. Those who can pick up food from one of the food centers are able to "shop" in a grocery-store setting, selecting foods within certain categories -- one way to help those who need the assistance maintain their dignity.