How the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) helps low-income seniors get free food.
Senior citizens can get free food as well as other resources from the government CSFP program. Nutritious commodities (cheese, dairy, bread, etc.), referrals to social services, and even nutrition education are also all part of the program. it offers free food packages, which will be in effect monthly boxes of nutritious groceries, to help older adults stretch their grocery budgets and improve diet quality. Find more information below on the federal government USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), with links to state contact information.
The government, in partnership with local charities and non-profits, will provide an assortment of free food boxes (mostly shelf stable groceries) to older people with low incomes. There will be items such as cheese, milk, juices, cereal, beans, rice or pasta, canned fruits and vegetables, and meats.
Why Commodity Supplemental Food Program matters
Many older adults live on fixed incomes, such as social security or retirement savings, and face difficult choices when it comes to how they spend that income. Senior citizens often need to decide between paying for food, medicine, utilities, or other necessities. even if they are able to get free money from the government if they are 60 or older. CSFP helps by supplementing the diet of eligible seniors with nutrient-rich foods provided at no cost.
A major goal is to address the nutritional needs of older adults. CSFP delivers monthly food packages filled with items like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, dairy or dairy alternatives, sodium free groceries and grains. These are key to addressing nutrients such as calcium, potassium and protein that are often lacking.
As indicated above, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program is targeted at certain individuals, and hundreds of thousands of seniors receive monthly nutritional support each year. USDA emphasizes that the food boxes are supplemental and are paired with nutrition education.
Types of free food given to senior citizens
While the U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and manages CSFP nationally, distribution happens through state agencies and local partners such as food banks, community action agencies, senior centers, and housing sites. State governments will subcontract with agencies throughout the area for the distribution of the food to those who need help.
High quality commodity foods are made available from CSFP to those who need help. All products are made available from the United States Department of Agriculture as well as the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). Local pantries and soup kitchens may also provide supplemental support to clients. Each month, participants receive a box of USDA Foods selected to supplement their diet. The list of available food items available for seniors on CSFP include:
- Fresh or shelf-stable juice options, canned fruit.
- Canned or dried beans, fruit, vegetarian protein items with other information on free produce from Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Programs.
- Whole grains such as rice, pasta, cereals.
- Fruit juices and beverages.
- Dairy or dairy alternatives: e.g., low-fat or non-fat milk (shelf-stable), cheese loaves.
- Canned lean meats, fish, poultry
- Rice, macaroni, spaghetti
- Cheese and dairy products
All of the assistance offered from Commodity Supplemental Food Program was never meant to completely fulfill a families diet and meet all of their nutritional needs. However the free government food program is a great source of nutrients that seniors, especially those on a fixed income, need.
How to apply for free food from CSFP and criteria
Several conditions need to be met, including age criteria as well as household income. All services are offered at no cost to qualified senior citizens and it is free to apply for free surplus commodities. While the income limits may change, in general it is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, however some states may adopt lower thresholds.
Most states offer CSFP through a state health, human services, agriculture, or aging agency, and they subcontract distribution to local nonprofits. It can even be part of a Meals on Wheels home delivery service. Regardless of which state agency administers it for your community, at the end of the day public and non-profit local agencies and food pantries accept applications.
- Those organizations distribute the free government commodity food boxes to the low income, senior citizens and qualified families. For anyone seeking more information on this service, including how to apply, a social worker from a local pantry can be a great resource. Or learn more and find how to get a free food from a food bank near you.
- For those that qualify, a pantry or center will distribute food from the CSFP to those who need it most. Not only will these agencies provide products, but they will also offer nutrition education, counseling. Most agencies will also provide referrals to other resources such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and health care programs such as Medicaid or Medicare.
Contacts for CSFP food commodities
Contact your local state social services or human resources agency for CSFP in your state, or call your regional food bank or community action agency to ask about CSFP pick-up sites and application steps. Federal program information is centralized at https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp/commodity-supplemental-food-program, and your state website will provide local addresses, hours, and ID/income documentation requirements. As indicated the criteria to apply for Commodity Supplemental Food Program in each state may vary. Select your state below for more details.
Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
There are many other benefits to this program. The charities and non-profits that disburse free food to senior citizens in your community will offer other social services as well. As the goal of CSFP is to ensure the most vulnerable in the population get free commodities, dairy items such as cheese or protein including peanut butter and more at the same time as access to other benefits. Get more details on what recipients get from the USDA commodity program.
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