What is the CSFP senior food box?
The CSFP senior food box is a free monthly box of shelf-stable groceries for low-income people 60 and older, provided through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which the USDA funds and state agencies and local food banks distribute.
What this means
- CSFP stands for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
- A typical box contains items like canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat or fish, cereal, pasta, rice, peanut butter, shelf-stable milk and cheese.
- It is not meant to be all your food for a month. It is a supplement, and you can receive it while also getting SNAP.
- Each state runs its own caseload, so some areas have a waiting list.
What to do first
- Find your state's CSFP contact through the USDA contact list and call to ask where the nearest distribution site is.
- Ask whether a volunteer can deliver the box if you cannot get out, since many sites do that.
- Ask to be added to the waiting list if the caseload is full, and check back.
SNAP Food Benefits for Seniors
Monthly money on a card for groceries. Older households get a special medical expense deduction that raises the benefit.
CSFP Senior Food Box
A free box of groceries every month, built for people 60 and older.
What you'll need
- Proof of income
- Proof of address
- Utility bills
- Rent or mortgage statement
- Photo identification
- Every medical receipt and pharmacy printout from the last twelve months
Deadlines and timing
- Boxes are usually distributed on a set day each month. Missing pick-up repeatedly can drop you from the list.
- You may need to recertify your income once a year.
Where to go
- SNAP Food Benefits for Seniors: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
- CSFP Senior Food Box: https://www.fns.usda.gov/contacts
Reviewed by Jason Burns, Editorial Steward · Last verified August 25, 2026
Sources
- Commodity Supplemental Food Program · USDA Food and Nutrition Service
- CSFP state contacts · USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Need help today?
- Shut-off notice in hand: call the number on the bill and ask for a medical hold and a payment plan, then call 211.
- No food today: call 211 or the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 for a same-week food bank or meal.
- In danger: call 911, or reach Adult Protective Services through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Every program on this site is free to apply for. Anyone who asks you to pay to apply, or to “unlock” a government benefit, is a scam — hang up and call Senior Medicare Patrol or 211.
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