At Capital Area United Way, part of our mission is telling the stories of our community. With each story, there is a person behind it - someone who needs the right tools to assist in building a better life, get back on their feet, or further the work they have done. The stories we tell are vital to the work we do - they are the fabric of the successes we champion.
Top Box Foods (TBF) was one of our ALICE Grants recipients. The grant was awarded to TBF’s EBT Match and Healthy Grocery Credits program. This program served both existing and new Makin’ Groceries program participants that receive SNAP benefits as well as households that experience food insecurity but do not receive SNAP benefits. Funding supported the continuation and expansion of the EBT Match Program in which participants using EBT cards received an unlimited 50% match on their orders, making it as easy as possible for people to stretch their SNAP dollars. During the grant period, Top Box Foods served 566 households in target low food access areas identified by the Mayor-President’s HealthyBR initiative.
One of the program’s participants, Jasmine C., ordered healthy groceries for free home delivery with TBF eight times with her EBT card, which amounted to a savings of $280 SNAP dollars! When asked why she continues to shop with TBF, she said, “The best! My salmon was amazing and produce was everything I didn't know that I needed to shop for. This was especially awesome because I don't have transportation and live in a food desert! This is a blessing! Thanks Top Box (Foods) Louisiana!”
In addition to Jasmine, participants James M. and Marion M. left the following reviews after receiving their EBT matched groceries: “This was a fantastic experience! Ordering is simple, delivery is easy to track, and the food is fresh and locally sourced. I can’t wait to order again!” “This is my 3rd week ordering. I love Top Box Foods!”
As you can see, where there’s a need, there’s a way, and it all because of our donors who selflessly give to serve their community.
ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Grants were announced in Spring 2021. The ALICE Grants served four target populations: seniors over 65; veterans; families and/or individuals with children aged 0-5; and ALICE households due to COVID-19 related unemployment.
You can learn more about our impact by exploring our website further, and you can keep an eye on the Our Stories page for more grant stories to come from the ALICE Grants and addtional grant cycles.
