CSFP Food Boxes: The FREE 30-Pound Monthly Grocery Package Budget Seniors, December 27, 2025February 5, 2026 Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About CSFP Food Boxes 📋 ❓ Critical Question✅ Quick AnswerWhat’s in the box?Milk, cheese, juice, farina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta, peanut butter, dry beans, canned meat, poultry, or fish, and canned fruits and vegetablesHow much does it cost?$0—completely FREEWho qualifies?Participants must be at least 60 years of age with income at or below 130-150% of povertyHow often do I get a box?Once per month, every monthCan I get CSFP AND SNAP?You can participate in CSFP and also receive food from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). You may also be eligible for the FoodShare program.Is there a waiting list?Due to caseload limits, many seniors are on waitlists to access the program 🥫 Yes, You Get 30+ Pounds of FREE Groceries Every Single Month 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. Here’s exactly what arrives in your monthly box: 🍽️ Food CategoryWhat’s Included💡 Nutritional BenefitProteinCanned meat, either boneless chicken, beef, pork, tuna, or beef stewEssential amino acids, ironDairyCheese, non-fat dry and no-spoil milk2 pounds of cheese per boxGrainsFarina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pastaFiber, B vitaminsLegumesPeanut butter, dry beansPlant protein, heart healthFruitsCanned fruits and juiceVitamins A & CVegetablesCanned vegetablesLow sodium options availableTotal Weight30 to 35 pounds of groceries$50+ retail value The CSFP monthly food package does not provide a complete diet, but rather is a good source of the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of older adults, such as vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. 💰 The 2025 Income Limits: Who Actually Qualifies? Per 7 CFR Part 247.9(b), state agencies must use a household income limit at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines published annually by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 2025 Income Guidelines (150% Federal Poverty Level): 👥 Household Size💵 Annual Income Limit📅 Monthly Income Limit💡 Per Week1 person$23,835$1,987$4592 people$32,265$2,689$6213 people$40,695$3,392$7834 people$49,125$4,094$945Each additionalAdd $688 for each additional family member+$688/month+$159 CRITICAL: Some states use 130% poverty level (lower threshold). To be eligible for CSFP, a person must reside in Arizona, be at least 60 years old, and have a total household income that does not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level. 🎯 The Automatic Qualification Loophole Most Seniors Miss Here’s what nobody tells you: State agencies may accept as income-eligible for CSFP benefits any applicant who documents that they are certified as fully eligible for any of the following federal programs: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), The Low-Income Subsidy Program (LIS), or the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP). ✅ If You’re Already In…CSFP EligibilityIncome Verification💡 What This MeansSNAP (Food Stamps)Automatic CSFP eligibility, regardless of incomeNot requiredJust show SNAP cardSSI (Supplemental Security Income)Automatically qualified for CSFP, regardless of household incomeNot requiredSSI letter is proofFDPIRAutomatic eligibilityNot requiredTribal program documentationLow-Income Subsidy (LIS)Automatic eligibilityNot requiredMedicare Extra HelpMedicare Savings ProgramsAutomatic eligibilityNot requiredQMB, SLMB, QI documentation There is no risk or penalty to check if you qualify for the senior food box program. 📊 The Shocking Numbers: Why 91%+ of Eligible Seniors Get Nothing A total of 731,933 caseload slots were allocated for the 2024 CSFP caseload cycle, nationally. In other words, CSFP state agencies were able to serve up to 731,993 individuals each month with 2024 resources. 📈 CSFP StatisticsNumberWhat It Means💡 Critical Insight2025 National Caseload707,000 slotsMaximum seniors served monthly12,013 less than the national calculated base caseload amount of 719,0132024 Funding$389 million for CSFPCongressional appropriationDiscretionary—not guaranteedFY2023 Seniors ServedAround 695,000 seniorsActual participationMillions more eligibleArizona Example8.2% of 300,143 potentially eligible seniorsOnly 24,514 served91.8% NOT servedMississippi MonthlyOver 13,000 food boxes delivered monthly39 counties coveredStill has waitlistsMinnesota Distribution SitesMore than 230 sites across MinnesotaStatewide coverage6 regional coordinators Reductions in calculated base caseload will result in some state agencies having participation that exceeds their 2025 caseload assignment. 📝 How to Apply: The Step-by-Step Process Applicants must complete a Michigan CSFP application with the agency that serves their county. Proof of age and residency are required. Income is self-declared. StepWhat You NeedWhere to Go💡 Pro Tip1. Find Your Local SiteYour ZIP codefns.usda.gov/csfp/program-contactsUse USDA map tool2. Gather DocumentsPhoto identification—Driver’s license, State ID card, or any other form of picture ID that proves identityFrom your recordsIf ID doesn’t show age, bring birth certificate3. Proof of AgeDrivers’ license, birth certificate or passportSame as aboveMust be 60+4. Proof of ResidencyRental agreement, utility bill, etc.Current documentsShows you live in service area5. Income DeclarationIncome is self-declaredVerbal or writtenNo pay stubs required6. Complete ApplicationAt distribution site or by mailLocal CSFP agencyApplications are usually completed at the Distribution Site by speaking to a worker Certification periods for participants are valid for three (3) years. ⏰ The Waiting List Reality: What to Do When You’re Put on Hold Once the maximum caseload has been reached, a waitlist of applicants will be kept. Applicants on the waitlist will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 📋 Waitlist FactWhat It MeansYour RightsNotification TimelineRegulations require that CSFP local agencies notify applicants of their eligibility, ineligibility, or placement on a waiting list within 10 days from the date of applicationDemand written noticeTemporary BenefitsWaitlisted individuals can receive a box of food in a month when a Distributing Agency does not reach their maximum caseloadAsk if boxes availablePriority OrderLocal agencies must meet civil rights requirements, ensuring no person is subject to discriminationFirst-come, first-servedReferrals RequiredApplicants who cannot be certified should receive referrals to other assistance programsAsk for SNAP, TEFAP infoMoving StatesParticipants whose certification has not expired must be given the opportunity to continue to receive CSFP benefitsTransfer your certification 🚗 Can’t Pick Up Your Box? Here’s What Nobody Mentions CSFP participants may choose to designate one or more proxies when they sign up for the program. A proxy is someone who has permission to pick up a CSFP box on the participant’s behalf when they are not able to pick up the box in person. 🤝 Proxy OptionHow It WorksRequirements💡 TipFamily MemberFriends, family members, neighbors or other volunteers can make sure you still receive your benefitsSigned authorizationName them at enrollmentNeighbor/FriendCan pick up on your behalfPhoto ID of participantCompleted Proxy Form must be submittedHome DeliveryIf you are a senior unable to travel to one of our distribution sites and don’t have an alternate to pick up, ask if there is availability at the site to deliver to your homeLimited availabilityNot all sites offer thisProxy Form ValidityThe Proxy Form is valid for one yearAnnual renewalKeep documentation current WARNING: If you don’t pick up your box for three months in a row, you may be removed from the program. 💬 Comment 1: “Can I get CSFP if I already get SNAP?” Short Answer: ✅ ABSOLUTELY YES! You can get CSFP even if you are receiving SNAP (food stamp) benefits. ProgramCan You Combine with CSFP?NotesSNAP/Food Stamps✅ YESDifferent programs, different benefitsTEFAP (Emergency Food)You can participate in CSFP and also receive food from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)Both allowedSenior Farmers MarketSenior Farmer Market Nutrition Program is available from June 1 through October 31Seasonal bonusMeals on Wheels✅ YESCongregate and home-deliveredFood Pantries✅ YESNo restrictions 💬 Comment 2: “Do I need to be a U.S. citizen?” Short Answer: 🌎 NO citizenship requirement! There’s no citizenship requirement to participate in the CSFP program in Minnesota. You must be a Minnesota resident, have a valid photo ID and meet eligibility guidelines for your age and household income. RequirementWhat’s NeededWhat’s NOT RequiredResidencyReside in one of the states or on one of the Indian reservations that participate in CSFPMinimum time living thereAge60 years or olderNot 65 like MedicareCitizenshipYou do not need to be a US citizen to receive CSFP benefitsNo immigration status checkPhoto IDValid photo identificationNot necessarily government-issued 💬 Comment 3: “The program is full—what else can I do?” Short Answer: 📞 Multiple backup options exist! Local agencies also provide referrals to other nutrition, healthcare, and social service programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare. 🆘 Alternative ResourceWhat It ProvidesContactSNAP (Food Stamps)Monthly EBT card for groceriesLocal DSS or benefits.govTEFAPEmergency food boxesLocal food bankMeals on WheelsHot delivered mealseldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116Congregate MealsFree meals at senior centersArea Agency on AgingSenior Farmers MarketFresh produce vouchersState agriculture departmentFood PantriesEmergency groceriesfeedingamerica.org 💬 Comment 4: “How do I recertify to keep getting boxes?” Short Answer: 📝 Every 3 years—and it’s simple! Annually, the local agency or distribution site must: Verify the address and continued interest of the participant; and Have sufficient reason to determine that the participant still meets the income eligibility standards, which may include a determination that the participant has a fixed income. TimelineWhat HappensWhat You DoYear 1-2Annual address verificationConfirm you still want boxesYear 3Full recertificationCSFP participants must update their applications once every three yearsFixed IncomeSeniors may have fixed incomes, which can be verified at the initial eligibility determinationSimplified processMissed PickupsYou will receive a letter from the Food Bank notifying you of your potential removal. Contact within 30 days if you would like to remain.Respond quickly 🗺️ CSFP Operates in All 50 States + DC + Puerto Rico + 7 Tribal Organizations CSFP operates in parts of all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and by the following seven ITOs: Oglala Sioux (SD), Seminole Nation (OK), Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians (CA), Spirit Lake Tribe (ND), Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (MS), Wichita and Affiliated Tribes (OK) IMPORTANT: 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. 📞 Essential Contact Information 🏢 Resource📞 Contact🌐 WebsiteBest ForUSDA CSFP Contacts Map—fns.usda.gov/csfp/program-contactsFind your state agencyUSDA Applicant Info—fns.usda.gov/csfp/applicant-recipientEligibility detailsFeeding America1-800-771-2303feedingamerica.orgFood bank locatorEldercare Locator1-800-677-1116eldercare.acl.govSenior servicesBenefits.gov—benefits.govAll federal benefits Select State Contacts: StateAgencyPhoneNew HampshireState CSFP(800) 942-4321WisconsinCentral Wisconsin Community Action Council608-254-8353Rhode IslandRI Community Food Bank401-230-1708LouisianaFeeding Louisianafeedinglouisiana.org/csfpArizonaADES CHRPdes.az.gov/senior-food-programTexas (San Antonio)San Antonio Food Banksafoodbank.orgMinnesotaSecond Harvest Heartland2harvest.org 📊 Quick Recap: Why You Should Apply for CSFP Today 📝 30+ Pounds FREE 📦: Each CSFP participant receives a free box of 30 to 35 pounds of groceries $600/Year Value 💵: $50 worth of food monthly Age 60+ Only 👴: Participants must be at least 60 years of age Self-Declared Income 📝: Income is self-declared—no pay stubs needed Automatic If On SSI/SNAP ✅: Automatically qualified regardless of household income 3-Year Certification 📅: Certification periods are valid for three (3) years Proxy Pickup Allowed 🤝: Designate one or more proxies No Citizenship Required 🌎: No citizenship requirement Combine With SNAP ➕: You can get CSFP even if you are receiving SNAP benefits Apply Now ⏰: Applicants will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis CSFP helps seniors with low incomes access the nutritious food they need to maintain good health. Food insecurity affects older adults’ overall health in many ways. Food-insecure older adults are more likely to have falls because they have poor nutrition, which affects muscle mass, bone density, and balance. Start here: fns.usda.gov/csfp/program-contacts or call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) 💚 Government & Housing Assistance