Basic Food eligibility guidelines released

New income eligibility guidelines are now in effect for the Washington Basic Food program. A household of one may have a gross income of $1, 805; two, $2,429; three $3,052; and four, $3,675. For each additional person add $624 a month.

The Washington Basic Food program supplements an individual's or family's income to provide a more nutritious diet and is available to all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex age, disability, religion or political belief. Those who may qualify only for a low or zero dollar food benefit may still be eligible for free school lunches and free or low cost local phone service.

For anyone wanting to donate financially or contribute food items to the local food banks for Thanksgiving, Helping Hand is now located at the Skamokawa Fairgrounds and is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays. The Wahkiakum food Bank's distribution hours are 3-5 p.m. on Tuesdays, at 42 Elochoman Valley Road.

To apply for the Basic Food program, call Mary Vik at 795-8630 or 1-800-635-5989 for an appointment. To contact the Wahkiakum Food Bank call Jimmie Lou Cleveland at 795-3553 or Chuck Christensen at 795-3497. For Helping Hand, call Mary Dasher at 501-6360 or Bernace Wolcott at 795-0431.