Who Can Get Food From the Commodity Supplemental Food Program

Who the Commodity Supplemental Food Program Serves

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal program that provides monthly boxes of shelf-stable foods to people who meet income and age requirements. Most people who get CSFP are 60 or older, though some states run separate programs for younger people with disabilities. The program does not require you to be receiving other benefits — your income is what matters.

Income limits vary by state and change each year based on federal poverty guidelines. In most states, your household income must fall below 130% of the federal poverty line, though a few states use 185%. For a single person in 2024, 130% of poverty is roughly $1,900 per month, but this shifts annually and differs by state. You will need to check your specific state program to learn the exact number that applies to you.

CSFP does not count all income the same way. Social Security, pensions, and wages all count. But some income sources — like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or certain veteran benefits — may be counted differently depending on your state's rules. When you contact your local program, they will tell you which income sources they need to verify.

Key Takeaways

• You must be 60 or older in most states, though some states have separate CSFP programs for working-age people with disabilities.
• Your household income must fall below a threshold set by your state — usually 130% of the federal poverty line — and this limit changes each year.
• You will need to provide proof of income and identity when you contact your local CSFP program, which is usually run by your county or a nonprofit partner.
• Once you are enrolled, you receive a box of foods each month at a pickup location, and you do not have to reapply every year in most states.
• The foods in CSFP boxes are shelf-stable items like canned vegetables, pasta, peanut butter, and powdered milk — not fresh produce or meat.

Income Limits by State and How They Work

Each state sets its own income ceiling for CSFP, and most use 130% of the federal poverty line. A handful — including California, Illinois, and New York — allow 185% of poverty, which means more people can participate. The federal poverty line itself changes every year, so the income limit your state uses also shifts upward each January.

Your state's CSFP program office publishes the current year's income limits, usually on their website or in materials you receive when you contact them. If you are unsure whether your income qualifies, call your local program directly — they can tell you in minutes whether you fall within the range. Do not guess based on last year's number, because the threshold will have moved.

Income is counted as gross income before taxes. If you receive Social Security, the full amount counts, not what you take home after Medicare premiums. If you work, your wages count before deductions. Some states allow you to subtract certain expenses — like medical costs or shelter costs — but this varies widely. Your local program will explain which deductions, if any, apply in your state.

What Documents You Need to Bring

When you contact your local CSFP program to enroll, you will need to show proof of three things: your age, your identity, and your income. Proof of age can be a birth certificate, passport, or driver's license. Proof of identity is usually the same document — a government-issued ID.

For income, bring recent pay stubs if you work, or a Social Security statement if you receive benefits. If you receive a pension or other regular income, bring a recent statement from that source. If your income is irregular or you are unsure what counts, ask the program what documents they need before you visit. Some programs accept tax returns from the prior year if you do not have current statements.

If you are applying on behalf of someone else — for example, as a caregiver or family member — you may need to show proof that you have permission to represent them. Ask your local program whether they require a power of attorney or a signed letter of authorization.

How to Find and Contact Your Local CSFP Program

CSFP is run at the state level, and each state contracts with local agencies — usually county departments of social services or nonprofit organizations — to enroll people and distribute food. To find your local program, start by searching "[your state name] CSFP" or "[your state name] Commodity Supplemental Food Program." Most state agriculture departments or social services agencies have a webpage listing local program contacts.

If you cannot find a local contact online, call your county's department of social services or aging services and ask for the CSFP coordinator. They can tell you where to go or how to enroll. Some programs let you apply by phone or mail, while others require you to visit in person. A few states use online portals, though this is less common.

When you call, ask three things: whether the program is currently open to new participants (some close when funding runs out), what documents you need to bring, and where and when you can enroll. Write down the answers so you have them when you visit.

What Happens After You Enroll

Once you are enrolled, you will receive a box of food each month at a designated pickup location — usually a senior center, food bank, or community center. The box contains shelf-stable items like canned vegetables, canned fruit, pasta, rice, peanut butter, powdered milk, and sometimes cheese or other protein items. The contents change slightly from month to month based on what the USDA purchases.

You do not choose what goes in the box — it is a set package. If you have food allergies or strong dislikes, tell the program staff when you enroll, and they may be able to note accommodations, though this varies by location. You will need to pick up your box on a specific day each month, or arrange for someone to pick it up for you if you cannot go yourself.

In most states, you do not have to reapply every year. Your enrollment continues as long as you still meet the income and age requirements. Some programs ask you to confirm your information every two or three years, but this is usually a simple phone call or form, not a full new application. If your income changes significantly, tell your program — they may ask you to update your information.

What CSFP Does and Does Not Cover

CSFP provides only shelf-stable foods that do not require refrigeration. You will receive items like canned goods, dried pasta, rice, beans, peanut butter, flour, and powdered milk. The program does not provide fresh produce, fresh meat, dairy products that need refrigeration, or prepared foods. It is designed to supplement your diet, not replace it entirely.

CSFP is separate from SNAP (food stamps), and you can receive both at the same time if you meet the requirements for each. The two programs work differently — SNAP gives you a card to buy food at stores, while CSFP gives you a box of specific foods each month. Some people use both to stretch their food budget further.

The program also does not provide nutrition counseling, meal planning, or cooking classes, though some local programs may offer these services separately through partner organizations. If you need help with nutrition or meal planning, ask your program staff whether they know of resources in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my income is slightly above the limit?

Contact your local program anyway. Some states have small exceptions or allow certain deductions that might bring you within range. It takes only a phone call to find out, and the rules vary enough that what disqualifies you in one state might not in another.

Can I get CSFP if I am under 60?

In most states, no — CSFP is for people 60 and older. However, some states run separate CSFP programs for working-age people with disabilities. Call your state's CSFP office and ask whether a disability program exists in your state.

What if I cannot pick up my box in person?

Many programs allow a family member, caregiver, or friend to pick up your box for you. Some programs deliver to homebound people, though this depends on your location and the program's resources. Ask when you enroll whether pickup alternatives are available.

Do I lose CSFP if I start working or my income increases?

If your income rises above your state's limit, you will no longer be able to receive CSFP. Tell your program if your income changes so they can update your status. You can reapply later if your income drops back below the limit.

Can I receive CSFP and SNAP at the same time?

Yes. The two programs have separate income limits and rules, and many people receive both. SNAP (food stamps) and CSFP work together — one gives you a card to buy food at stores, the other provides a monthly box of specific foods.