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. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and tribal organizations to operate CSFP. State agencies distribute CSFP food to public and nonprofit private local agencies. Local agencies determine the eligibility of applicants, distribute the foods, and provide nutrition education.
Getting Involved
Organizations interested in distributing USDA Foods in their community should contact their state distributing agency to learn how to become a CSFP local agency. CSFP may not currently operate in all areas within each state.
State agencies who are new to the CSFP program should review:
CSFP Food Package
CSFP offers a monthly food package with a variety of nutritious foods, such as unsweetened or lightly sweetened canned fruits, low sodium or no salt added canned vegetables, low fat dairy products, whole grain cereals and pasta, and a variety of protein foods including lean meats, poultry, fish, and beans. The following links provide more information about the foods and the overall composition of the food package.
- USDA Foods Available List for CSFP
- CSFP Food Package Monthly Distribution Rates
- USDA Foods Product Information Sheets and Recipes
- Product Specifications
- Eligible Vendors
Nutrition Education
Nutrition education is an important component of CSFP. The following resources can assist agencies in providing nutrition education to CSFP participants.
- Nutrition in the CSFP Food Package - Highlights the benefits of USDA Foods contained in the CSFP food package, addresses common misperceptions about shelf-stable (packaged and canned) foods, and provides tips on including CSFP foods in healthy meals and snacks.
- CSFP: Nutrition Benefits of the Program - Learn how CSFP contributes to MyPlate recommendations for a healthy eating pattern.
- CSFP Sharing Gallery - These activities, lesson plans, handouts, and recipes provide a variety of food and nutrition resources appropriate for older adults.