| DATE: | March 24, 2025 | |
| SUBJECT: | Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP): Caseload Assignments for the 2025 Caseload Cycle and Administrative Grants | |
| TO: | Regional Directors Supplemental Nutrition Programs All Regional Offices | State Directors CSFP State Agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) |
On March 15, 2025, President Trump signed the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (PL 119-4), which provides $425 million for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for fiscal year (FY) 2025. Based on this funding level and available resources, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is issuing a final national caseload allocation of 707,000 slots for the 2025 caseload cycle (Jan. 1, 2025 to Dec. 31, 2025). This final national caseload level ensures that resources are sufficient to provide full food packages to participants throughout the caseload cycle. FNS is allocating final caseload and administrative grants for 2025 to CSFP state agencies, including Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and U.S. territories, as provided below.
Final Caseload Assignments
In accordance with CSFP regulations at 7 CFR Part 247, base caseload for the 2025 caseload cycle for all currently participating state agencies is equal to the higher of (1) average monthly participation for FY 2024 or (2) average monthly participation for the last quarter of FY 2024. CSFP regulations further provide that for each CSFP state agency, calculated base caseload for 2025 cannot be greater than total assigned caseload for 2024.
As stated above, total estimated resources available to the program in FY 2025 are sufficient to support a national caseload level of 707,000 slots, which is 12,013 less than the national calculated base caseload amount of 719,013. Accordingly, FNS has reduced each CSFP state agency’s base caseload figure on a pro rata basis to correspond to the reduction required nationally. All participating CSFP state agencies are subject to this caseload reduction.
Participation Reductions
Reductions in calculated base caseload will result in some state agencies having participation that exceeds their 2025 caseload assignment. In accordance with program regulations and to ensure sufficient program resources are available to serve CSFP participants throughout the year, state agencies should take action to ensure participation does not exceed final assigned caseload on an average monthly basis across CY 2025.
All state agencies are expected to review current participation levels, and if participation is above assigned caseload, reduce participation to their new caseload assignment. State agencies should first work with local agencies to forgo certification of new applicants if the number of applicants exceeds the local agency’s caseload level. In these circumstances, regulations at 7 CFR 247.11 require local agencies to maintain waiting lists of individuals who apply for the program with information to contact the applicant if caseload space becomes available. Program regulations further require that CSFP local agencies notify applicants of their eligibility, ineligibility, or placement on a waiting list within 10 days from the date of application. Applicants who cannot be certified should receive referrals to other assistance programs.
If necessary, state agencies may further direct local agencies to forgo recertification of current participants to align with the CY 2025 caseload allocation. In accordance with CSFP regulations, written notice at least 15 days before the effective date of discontinuance must be provided before removing individuals from the program. Individuals removed from CSFP should receive referrals to other assistance programs. FNS recommends that state agencies contact their FNS regional office prior to removing any current participants from CSFP.
Caseload Use and Food Orders in 2025
It is crucial that state agencies manage caseload and USDA Foods in the most efficient manner possible. State agencies are required to accurately track and maintain appropriate inventory levels at the state level. Regulations at 7 CFR Part 250 prohibit CSFP state level inventories from exceeding three (3) months on-hand without approval from FNS.
FNS regional offices (ROs) closely monitor states agencies’ year-to-date participation levels and food orders. FNS ROs will reduce food orders to ensure that state agencies do not exceed their assigned caseloads or over-order USDA Foods.
Administrative Grant per Assigned Caseload Slot
The Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973 (PL 93-86), as amended, mandates an administrative grant per assigned caseload slot to be adjusted each FY to reflect inflation. The mandatory grant per assigned caseload slot for FY 2025 is $103.48.
CSFP state agencies should address questions to their respective FNS regional office.
Melissa Abelev, PhD
Associate Administrator
Supplemental Nutrition and Safety Programs
Attachment
Attachment A - 2025 CSFP Caseload and Administrative Funding