The Commodity Supplemental Food Program is a federal nutrition lifeline built specifically for older adults. Here is how it works, who qualifies, and how to enroll.
What is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program?
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a USDA program that delivers a monthly package of nutritious USDA Foods to low-income Americans age 60 and older. Unlike SNAP, which gives you a benefit card to shop with, CSFP provides the actual food: shelf-stable items like canned fruits and vegetables, low-fat milk, juice, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, rice, and cheese. The package is designed to supplement a senior's diet, not replace all groceries. Food is distributed through state agencies that partner with local food banks, senior centers, and community organizations. CSFP operates in all 50 states, Washington D.C., several tribal nations, and U.S. territories.
Who is eligible for CSFP food packages?
To qualify for CSFP, you must be at least 60 years old and have a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty guidelines. For 2025, that is roughly $1,632 per month for a single-person household and about $2,215 per month for a two-person household, though limits adjust annually and a few states set slightly different thresholds. You must also live in the state where you apply. CSFP no longer serves women, infants, or children in most areas — it has become a seniors-focused program. Proof of age, income, and residence is typically required at enrollment.
What foods are in a CSFP package?
Each monthly CSFP package is built around USDA dietary guidance for older adults and generally includes a rotating mix of: nonfat dry or ultra-high-temperature (UHT) milk, juice, farina or oats, ready-to-eat cereal, rice or pasta, peanut butter or dry beans, canned meat, poultry or fish, canned fruits, canned vegetables, and cheese. The exact contents vary by month and by state agency based on USDA availability. Packages are not meant to provide a complete diet — they are a supplement that helps stretch a fixed income and improve nutrition. Many seniors pair CSFP with SNAP and Meals on Wheels for fuller coverage.
How do you apply for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program?
To apply for CSFP, contact your state's distributing agency or a local food bank, senior center, or Area Agency on Aging that administers the program. Because each state runs CSFP through local partners, there is no single national online form. You will complete an application, certify your income (often by self-declaration plus documentation), and show proof of age and residence. Once approved, you pick up your package monthly at a designated site, or in some areas it is delivered to homebound seniors. Certification typically lasts one to three years before you must reapply. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP and we can help point you to the right local contact.
CSFP vs. SNAP, food banks, and Meals on Wheels
CSFP is one of several food programs for seniors, and you can usually combine them. SNAP (food stamps) gives a monthly benefit on an EBT card to buy groceries you choose — many seniors qualify for both CSFP and SNAP at the same time. Food banks and pantries offer additional groceries with looser or no eligibility rules. Meals on Wheels delivers prepared meals to homebound older adults. Each program fills a different gap: CSFP for a free monthly staples box, SNAP for grocery flexibility, pantries for extra help, and Meals on Wheels for ready-to-eat meals. Stacking them is allowed and common.