What is in the box
A typical CSFP box contains canned fruits and vegetables, juice, canned meat (chicken, tuna or salmon), pasta, rice or other grains, dry beans or peanut butter, cereal, evaporated or shelf-stable milk, and a block of cheese. The exact contents vary month to month based on what USDA is buying. The box is designed to supplement — not replace — a senior's grocery purchases, and is roughly equivalent to $50 of grocery value.
Eligibility
You must be 60 or older and have a household income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line. Documentation is minimal — usually proof of age and a self-declared statement of income. Some states maintain waiting lists; others enroll immediately.
How to enroll
Contact your state's CSFP coordinator (USDA maintains a directory at fns.usda.gov/csfp/contacts) or your local food bank. Enrollment is often handled through senior centers, area agencies on aging, and faith-based partners. Many sites deliver boxes to homebound seniors who cannot pick them up.
Where to go from here
If this program looks like a fit for your household, take 10 minutes today to start an application or call your local agency. Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, the application is the easiest way to find out — there is no penalty for applying and being denied. If you need food while you wait for a decision, browse the pantry directory for a site near you, or read our same-day help guide.