Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Alaska

If you live in Alaska and have trouble paying for healthy food, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) may help. Also called the Senior Food Box Program, CSFP provides a box of food each month at no cost if you qualify.

The program is designed to help older adults get nutritious food and maintain good health. If you qualify, you can receive a food box weighing about 40 pounds each month.

How does the Alaska Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

The Alaska CSFP provides free food to adults age 60 and older with low incomes. The food box includes items from several food groups to help you get important nutrients and prepare healthy meals at home.

Your food box may include:

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Canned fruits and vegetables

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Canned meats, such as beef, pork, or beef stew

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Pasta or rice

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Dry beans or peanut butter

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Fruit juice

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Dry cereal

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Cheese

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Powdered or canned milk

Keep in mind, CSFP is meant to add to your food supply, not replace all of your groceries. The food you receive can help you stretch your grocery budget and add nutritious foods to your meals.

You can receive a CSFP food box even if you also get help from other food programs, such as SNAP. The food box is worth about $50 in food.

Who can get help from the Alaska Senior Food Box Program?

You may qualify for the Alaska CSFP if you:

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Are age 60 or older

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Live in Alaska

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Meet the program's income limits

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Can show a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, Permanent Resident Card, or passport

How do I find a Senior Food Box Program near me?

Food banks across Alaska distribute CSFP food boxes. Contact the food bank that serves your area to ask about the program and find out where you can pick up your food.

• If you live in Fairbanks: Visit a Fairbanks Community Food Bank distribution site or call 907-374-0555 .

• If you live elsewhere in Alaska: Contact the Food Bank of Alaska distribution site nearest you or call 907-272-3663.

You can also call 211 to find a Senior Food Box pickup location near you.

What if I cannot get help from the Alaska CSFP?

Other programs may help you get enough healthy food. These include:

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Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels provides meals delivered to your home. This service is available in many communities.

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Food banks and food pantries: Provide free groceries to people who need food assistance. Find a food bank in Alaska.

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SNAP: Helps you pay for groceries each month. You receive benefits on an EBT card that you can use at participating stores.

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Group meal sites: Offer meals at places such as senior centers, schools, and churches.

You can also use our website to find food assistance programs in your area. Enter your ZIP code to get started.

Who can I talk to for help?

If you need help finding food assistance, a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) may be able to help. Find a Benefits Enrollment Center near you.

You can also call the NCOA HelpLine for free support. Call 1-800-794-6559 to get started.