CSFP — Commodity Supplemental Food Program
CSFP gives low-income seniors age 60+ a free, nutrient-dense food box every month. If you qualify, it's roughly 30-40 pounds of shelf-stable food — about $40-$60 worth of groceries — at zero cost.
Who qualifies
- Age: 60 or older
- Income: Household at or below 130% of federal poverty level
- 2026 income limits:
- 1 person: ~$1,632/month
- 2 people: ~$2,215/month
- 3 people: ~$2,798/month
- Each additional person: +$583/month
- Categorical eligibility: SNAP, TANF, SSI, or Medicaid recipients usually automatically eligible — no separate income check
How to enroll
- Find your state CSFP agency — search "CSFP [your state]" or call your state's Department of Aging / Area Agency on Aging
- Complete a brief application — usually one page; income self-declaration is often acceptable
- Pick up your monthly box at a fixed distribution site (senior center, church, food bank, community center)
- Some states offer home-delivery — for homebound seniors who can't get to a distribution site
What's in the food box
Roughly 30-40 pounds of shelf-stable food. Typical contents:
- Canned vegetables (6+ cans — peas, carrots, green beans, corn, mixed vegetables)
- Canned fruit (3+ cans — peaches, applesauce, mixed fruit)
- Lean protein (canned tuna, chicken, beef, OR a block of cheese)
- Peanut butter (1-2 jars)
- Dairy (UHT shelf-stable milk OR cheese)
- Grains (rice, pasta, breakfast cereal)
- Juice (cranberry, apple, or grape)
- Sometimes dried beans or pasta sauce
Designed to feed one senior for 10-14 days.
Does my state participate?
As of 2026, CSFP operates in approximately 47 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and several Indian reservations. To check your state's status, call 211 or search "CSFP [your state]" in your search engine.
Can I combine CSFP with other programs?
Yes. Most low-income seniors should pursue all of:
- CSFP — monthly senior food box (this page)
- SNAP — monthly EBT for grocery stores. Apply for SNAP
- TEFAP — commodity food at any local pantry. Learn about TEFAP
- Meals on Wheels — home-delivered prepared meals. Search by ZIP at mealsonwheelsamerica.org
- Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) — vouchers for fresh produce at participating markets
Frequently asked questions
What is CSFP?
A USDA program providing a free monthly food box to low-income seniors 60+.
Who qualifies?
Age 60+, household income at or below 130% of federal poverty (~$1,632/month for one person in 2026).
How do I enroll?
Find your state CSFP agency, complete a brief application, pick up monthly at a fixed site.
What's in the box?
30-40 pounds: canned vegetables, fruit, protein, dairy, grains, peanut butter, juice.
Can I combine with SNAP?
Yes — CSFP, SNAP, TEFAP, and Meals on Wheels all stack.
All food help for seniors → · Apply for SNAP · TEFAP details