Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About CSFP Food Boxes 📋
| ❓ Critical Question | ✅ Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| What’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 vegetables |
| How much does it cost? | $0—completely FREE |
| Who qualifies? | Participants must be at least 60 years of age with income at or below 130-150% of poverty |
| How often do I get a box? | Once per month, every month |
| Can 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 Category | What’s Included | 💡 Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Canned meat, either boneless chicken, beef, pork, tuna, or beef stew | Essential amino acids, iron |
| Dairy | Cheese, non-fat dry and no-spoil milk | 2 pounds of cheese per box |
| Grains | Farina, oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice, pasta | Fiber, B vitamins |
| Legumes | Peanut butter, dry beans | Plant protein, heart health |
| Fruits | Canned fruits and juice | Vitamins A & C |
| Vegetables | Canned vegetables | Low sodium options available |
| Total Weight | 30 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 Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $23,835 | $1,987 | $459 |
| 2 people | $32,265 | $2,689 | $621 |
| 3 people | $40,695 | $3,392 | $783 |
| 4 people | $49,125 | $4,094 | $945 |
| Each additional | Add $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 Eligibility | Income Verification | 💡 What This Means |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Automatic CSFP eligibility, regardless of income | Not required | Just show SNAP card |
| SSI (Supplemental Security Income) | Automatically qualified for CSFP, regardless of household income | Not required | SSI letter is proof |
| FDPIR | Automatic eligibility | Not required | Tribal program documentation |
| Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) | Automatic eligibility | Not required | Medicare Extra Help |
| Medicare Savings Programs | Automatic eligibility | Not required | QMB, 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 Statistics | Number | What It Means | 💡 Critical Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 National Caseload | 707,000 slots | Maximum seniors served monthly | 12,013 less than the national calculated base caseload amount of 719,013 |
| 2024 Funding | $389 million for CSFP | Congressional appropriation | Discretionary—not guaranteed |
| FY2023 Seniors Served | Around 695,000 seniors | Actual participation | Millions more eligible |
| Arizona Example | 8.2% of 300,143 potentially eligible seniors | Only 24,514 served | 91.8% NOT served |
| Mississippi Monthly | Over 13,000 food boxes delivered monthly | 39 counties covered | Still has waitlists |
| Minnesota Distribution Sites | More than 230 sites across Minnesota | Statewide coverage | 6 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.
| Step | What You Need | Where to Go | 💡 Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Find Your Local Site | Your ZIP code | fns.usda.gov/csfp/program-contacts | Use USDA map tool |
| 2. Gather Documents | Photo identification—Driver’s license, State ID card, or any other form of picture ID that proves identity | From your records | If ID doesn’t show age, bring birth certificate |
| 3. Proof of Age | Drivers’ license, birth certificate or passport | Same as above | Must be 60+ |
| 4. Proof of Residency | Rental agreement, utility bill, etc. | Current documents | Shows you live in service area |
| 5. Income Declaration | Income is self-declared | Verbal or written | No pay stubs required |
| 6. Complete Application | At distribution site or by mail | Local CSFP agency | Applications 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 Fact | What It Means | Your Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Timeline | Regulations 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 | Demand written notice |
| Temporary Benefits | Waitlisted individuals can receive a box of food in a month when a Distributing Agency does not reach their maximum caseload | Ask if boxes available |
| Priority Order | Local agencies must meet civil rights requirements, ensuring no person is subject to discrimination | First-come, first-served |
| Referrals Required | Applicants who cannot be certified should receive referrals to other assistance programs | Ask for SNAP, TEFAP info |
| Moving States | Participants whose certification has not expired must be given the opportunity to continue to receive CSFP benefits | Transfer 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 Option | How It Works | Requirements | 💡 Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Member | Friends, family members, neighbors or other volunteers can make sure you still receive your benefits | Signed authorization | Name them at enrollment |
| Neighbor/Friend | Can pick up on your behalf | Photo ID of participant | Completed Proxy Form must be submitted |
| Home Delivery | If 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 home | Limited availability | Not all sites offer this |
| Proxy Form Validity | The Proxy Form is valid for one year | Annual renewal | Keep 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.
| Program | Can You Combine with CSFP? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP/Food Stamps | ✅ YES | Different programs, different benefits |
| TEFAP (Emergency Food) | You can participate in CSFP and also receive food from the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) | Both allowed |
| Senior Farmers Market | Senior Farmer Market Nutrition Program is available from June 1 through October 31 | Seasonal bonus |
| Meals on Wheels | ✅ YES | Congregate and home-delivered |
| Food Pantries | ✅ YES | No 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.
| Requirement | What’s Needed | What’s NOT Required |
|---|---|---|
| Residency | Reside in one of the states or on one of the Indian reservations that participate in CSFP | Minimum time living there |
| Age | 60 years or older | Not 65 like Medicare |
| Citizenship | You do not need to be a US citizen to receive CSFP benefits | No immigration status check |
| Photo ID | Valid photo identification | Not 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 Resource | What It Provides | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP (Food Stamps) | Monthly EBT card for groceries | Local DSS or benefits.gov |
| TEFAP | Emergency food boxes | Local food bank |
| Meals on Wheels | Hot delivered meals | eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116 |
| Congregate Meals | Free meals at senior centers | Area Agency on Aging |
| Senior Farmers Market | Fresh produce vouchers | State agriculture department |
| Food Pantries | Emergency groceries | feedingamerica.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.
| Timeline | What Happens | What You Do |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1-2 | Annual address verification | Confirm you still want boxes |
| Year 3 | Full recertification | CSFP participants must update their applications once every three years |
| Fixed Income | Seniors may have fixed incomes, which can be verified at the initial eligibility determination | Simplified process |
| Missed Pickups | You 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 | 🌐 Website | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA CSFP Contacts Map | — | fns.usda.gov/csfp/program-contacts | Find your state agency |
| USDA Applicant Info | — | fns.usda.gov/csfp/applicant-recipient | Eligibility details |
| Feeding America | 1-800-771-2303 | feedingamerica.org | Food bank locator |
| Eldercare Locator | 1-800-677-1116 | eldercare.acl.gov | Senior services |
| Benefits.gov | — | benefits.gov | All federal benefits |
Select State Contacts:
| State | Agency | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | State CSFP | (800) 942-4321 |
| Wisconsin | Central Wisconsin Community Action Council | 608-254-8353 |
| Rhode Island | RI Community Food Bank | 401-230-1708 |
| Louisiana | Feeding Louisiana | feedinglouisiana.org/csfp |
| Arizona | ADES CHRP | des.az.gov/senior-food-program |
| Texas (San Antonio) | San Antonio Food Bank | safoodbank.org |
| Minnesota | Second Harvest Heartland | 2harvest.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) 💚