Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Arizona

If you live in Arizona and have trouble affording healthy groceries, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) may provide certain foods at no cost. In Arizona, this program may also be called the Commodity Senior Food Program or “Food Plus.”

The CSFP helps older adults get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. If you meet the program guidelines, you can get a 40-pound box of food each month.

How does the Arizona Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

The Arizona Commodity Supplemental Food Program gives free, healthy food each month to low-income adults age 60 and older. CSFP food boxes are made to give older Arizona residents the nutrients they may not get from regular meals. Each food in your box fits into one of five main food groups, so you can make healthy meals at home.

CSFP foods may include:

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Canned fruits and vegetables

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Canned meats (such as canned beef, pork, and beef stew)

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Pasta or rice

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Dry beans or peanut butter

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Fruit juices

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Dry cereals

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Cheese

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Powdered and canned milk

The Arizona CSFP works with places like local food banks, senior centers, and health clinics to sign people up and give out CSFP food each month. This program is not meant to give you all your food, but it helps stretch your food budget and adds good nutrition to your meals.

Even if you already get help from other food programs like SNAP, you can still get a senior food box. This box gives you about $50 worth of food.

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

You can get help from the CSFP if you are:

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Age 60 or older

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A resident of Arizona

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Have a household income at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level.

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You must also be able to provide 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?

To learn if you can get food assistance in Arizona, contact one of two Arizona’s CSFP distribution networks:

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If you live in Apache, Coconino, Gila, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai, or Yuma County, visit the AZ Food Help Partner Network’s list of locations to find one nearest you.

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If you live in Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Pima, or Santa Cruz County, contact the Community Food Bank Partner Network’s list of locations to find food assistance in your area.

You can also dial 211 on your phone to find a Senior Food Box pick-up location near you.

What if I cannot get help from the Arizona CSFP?

There are many programs that help older adults get healthy food:

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Meals on Wheels brings hot, healthy meals right to your door. This program is available in most communities.

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Food banks and pantries give free groceries to people who need them. They’re run by groups like Feeding America. Visit this websiteto find one where you live in Arizona.

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SNAP(food stamps) helps you pay for groceries each month. You use a special card (EBT card) to buy food at most stores.

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Group meal sites serve hot meals in places like senior centers, schools, or churches.

You can also use our website to find out which of these food assistance programs are available in your area—just enter your ZIP code to get started.

Who can I talk to for help?

If you need additional help finding food, contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you.https://benefitscheckup.org/article/how-to-find-a-benefits-enrollment-center-near-youSee if there’s one in your area.

NCOA also has a HelpLine you can call to get free support. To get started today, call 1-800-794-6559.