The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and Indian Tribal Organizations to operate CSFP. State agencies distribute CSFP food to public and nonprofit private local agencies. Local agencies determine the eligibility of applicants, distribute the foods, and provide nutrition education.
Participant Eligibility Requirements for Seniors
Participants must be at least 60 years of age and reside in one of the states or on one of the Indian reservations that participate in CSFP. States may establish local residency requirements based on designated service areas (but may not require a minimum period of residency). States may also require that participants be at nutritional risk, as determined by a physician or by local agency staff.
Participant Eligibility Requirements for Children
Women, infants, and children currently receiving CSFP benefits who were certified to receive such assistance on or before Feb. 6, 2014 are also eligible to continue to receive assistance under the program rules in effect on that date, in accordance with the Agricultural Act of 2014 (PL 113-79, the 2014 Farm Bill). As required by the 2014 Farm Bill, women, infants, and children who apply to participate in CSFP on Feb. 7, 2014, or later cannot be certified to participate in the program. Such individuals may be eligible for other nutrition assistance programs such as the:
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Note: Eligible participants cannot participate in both WIC and CSFP at the same time.
Income Eligibility Guidelines
States establish income limits for the elderly that are at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. States establish income limits for the children who remain on the program that are at or below 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines, but not below 100 percent of these guidelines.
How to Apply
Contact your state distributing agency for further assistance. CSFP may not currently be available in all areas within each state, so your state agency will be able to tell you if CSFP is available where you live.
CSFP Food Package
CSFP provides a selection of fruit, juice, vegetables, milk, cheese, grains, and protein, including plant-based protein, each month. The following links provide more information about the foods and the nutrition benefits of the program.