State Special Nutrition Director Angela Frett is informing the public of two upcoming distributions of Bonus USDA commodities. The dates and times are as follows:

St. John: Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Julius E. Sprauve School cafeteria

St. Thomas: Saturday, April 14, from 8 a.m. to 4 pm at the Lockhart Elementary School cafeteria.

This distribution is for all needy persons meeting the criteria listed below and not just for senior citizens. Distribution packages will be limited to one per household.

Senior citizens 60 years and older must meet the income eligibility requirements, while individuals or heads of households eligible to receive these commodities must be identified as needy by meeting one of the following:

1. A person or head of household that is a client of any of the following income certified assistance programs:

(a) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

(b) Medical Assistance Program

(c) Be a tenant of subsidized public housing.

2. Persons who are not participants or clients of the above programs must have a family income that does not exceed the 185 percent of the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines for July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.

To obtain commodity items, proper identification must be presented (i.e. SNAP Card, Medical Assistance Card, and proof of income for persons completing the self- certification form). Anyone not having proper documentation will not receive commodities. All eligible recipients must bring along sturdy boxes or bags to contain their commodities for transport.

For further information, call Federal Commodities Officer Correy Lettsome at 774-9373.