Johnny Barnes, president of the Concerned Citizens Association for the Bailey Heights Community, presented award at the Natchitoches Parish Council on Aging Feb. 8.

The award recognized the following:
Alice Barrios
Sheila Hampton
Hattie Ware
Sandy Davis
Janice Peyton
Elizabeth Smart
Margaret Walker
Ed Johnson
Thomas Stephen
Natchitoches Parish Detention Center
Willie Ladkin
Helen Raymond
Hazel Washington

The COA oversees a Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which assists around 250 people in the parish.

Community members can Adopt-A-Senior through the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. The Adopt-A-Senior Program is designed to help supplement impoverished seniors nutritional needs so they are not faced with the difficult decision of choosing between medicine, rent and food. Seniors in the program receive 50 pounds of food per month for a year.

Eligibility is limited to those whose income falls below federal poverty guidelines and whose age is at least 65, or 60 and disabled. The income guideline for one in the household is $1,245; for two is $1,681; and three is $2,116. Proof of income, proof of disability if disabled, birth date and address is required.

There’s a waiting list of senior citizens on fixed incomes. Sponsorships of $150 will enable a senior citizen to receive a 50 point box each month for a year.

For more information call the COA at (318) 357-3250 or the Food Bank of Central Louisiana at (318) 445-2773.

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