Mark’s Commissary is a mobile ‘pay-what-you-can’ store for those living in long term care facilities. We use a retired ambulance to primarily sell toiletries, snacks, and drinks.
Why we do it
Federal law requires that Medicaid-funded nursing home residents receive a Personal Needs Allowance (PNA). Authorized by the Supplemental Security Act Amendments of 1972, and enacted in 1974, the federally mandated PNA was set at $25 per month. The 1987 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, effective in 1988, increased it to $30 per month, where it remains as of 2022 - unlike any other costs since!
With the past 35 years of inflation pushing up the cost of goods, this is where Mark’s Commissary comes in. Our aim is to sell such basic items from bulk purchases and donations on a pay-what-you-can basis.
Who is Mark?
Mark Northcutt was born in Central Illinois on March 21st, 1961 and left us unexpected on September 22nd 2022, Mark was a loving father, husband and grandfather. He was known for his unforgettable laugh and his random visits to family and friends.
Mark co-founded Hadaway Transport with his wife Tamela Hadaway which he operated for over a decade with her and his son Todd Northcutt. Driving many nursing home residents sharing plentiful stories and laughs along the way. During these transports Mark began to understand the struggle of some residents who have little to no outside support and rely solely on a small monthly allowance.
A year after his passing Todd Northcutt, Marks son founded Mark's Commissary. We hope that this will carry his legacy and help those living in long term care facilities whom Mark deeply cared about.