Commodity Supplemental Food Program

CSFP is a Federal program administered by the Department of Agriculture to provide food for qualifying seniors.  The program provides a monthly package of food designed to supplement the nutritional needs of low-income senior citizens.

Who we serve

Facing Hunger Foodbank has received a 2500 case load for identified residents in Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln and Kanawha Counties of WV and a 463 case load for those in Boyd, Martin, Greenup, Lawrence KY

At least 60 years of age

Meet income guidelines (at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Income guidelines) based on gross income

Must be resident of distributing county

Spouses – each fills out their own application and each gets one box (if both are over 60)

 

Commodities of CSFP For Seniors

  • 2 boxes Cereal
  • 2 jars of juice
  • 2 cartons of UHT milk
  • 1 pkg. dry milk (every other month)
  • 1 box of cheese
  • 1 24 oz. can of meat (2 cans or pouches if less than 24 oz.)
  • 1 bag of beans OR 1 jar of peanut butter
  • 1 bag of rice OR 2 lbs. of pasta (1 box of spaghetti OR 2 bags of macaroni)
  • 4 cans of vegetables
  • 2 cans of fruit

 

Mission of CSFP

CSFP food packages are designed to provide protein, calcium, iron, and Vitamins A and C.  CSFP helps assist in providing proper nutrition for seniors and promotes health, treats chronic diseases, decreases length of hospital stays and saves health care dollars.  Hunger increases a seniors risk of stroke, exacerbates pre-existing ill health conditions, limits the efficacy of many prescription drugs and may affect brain chemistry increasing the incidence of depression and isolation (the National Council on Aging, 2005).  CSFP is currently in 47 states plus the District of Columbia.

 

History of CSFP

In the late seventies, a study commissioned by the Detroit-Wayne County Agency of Aging was conducted, inquiring into the prevalence if malnutrition among senior citizens in the area.  The findings of the study were that roughly 52,000 senior citizens in Wayne County, Michigan were nutritionally deprived.  Following the study, Focus: HOPE proposed a one-year pilot program, to include 1,500 seniors in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.  In 1981, Congress passed the Agriculture and Food Act, Public Law 97-98, approving the participation of a limited number of eligible senior citizens in the CSFP in pilot programs in Detroit and Polk County, Iowa.  The Farm Bill, signed into law by President Reagan in 1985, made the “Food for Seniors” program a permanent part of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

8 Comments

  1. Justin Brady

    This is such a valuable program for seniors. SNAP is very popular and well known but many seniors are not aware that they can take advantage of this if they qualify. Being someone that writes about food assistance, it’s very frustrating that seniors are going hungry when there is available programs that they can tap into.

    Reply
    • Barbara Logan

      I am 65 years old and disabled. I cannot get out to pantries. My 42 year old son lives with me. He has been sick for the past 5 years. He also helps me a lot. I get $23.00 a month in Snap. We go hungry a lot. All my disability is gone by the end of the 3rd week. The end of the month is always difficult – no money, no food. My son doesn’t have a vehicle either.

      Reply
      • Samantha Adams

        Barbara- do you receive our Senior Boxes? We have several resources that could help you! Please call 304-523-6029 and ask to speak with Erik, he can walk you through all your options!

        Reply
  2. Nancy Almond

    I am inquiring about the food boxes.
    How do I get one?

    Reply
    • Samantha Adams

      Hi Nancy! If you are inquiring about our senior boxes, please call 304-523-6029 ext 48 to speak with Tanya! She will be able to give you all the information and walk you through the process.

      Reply
  3. Edward Burgess

    Checking on food basket for 75 years old.

    Reply
    • Samantha Adams

      Hi Edward. If you would like more information on our Senior Box program, please call 304-523-6029 and ask for Tanya! She will be able to walk you through the process of getting signed up!

      Reply
  4. Edward burgess

    Food basket

    Reply

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