Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. area residents age 60 and older with low incomes may qualify for Grocery Plus, a program that provides free monthly food boxes through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).

Each box weighs about 25 to 30 pounds and contains foods you can use to make meals at home. The food can help you spend less on groceries while getting important nutrients to stay healthy.

How does the District of Columbia Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

Grocery Plus provides monthly food boxes to eligible older adults in Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County. DC Health oversees the program in the District, while the Capital Area Food Bank helps distribute food throughout the region.

Your box contains a variety of foods, but it is not meant to cover all your food needs for the month. Instead, the food can add to the groceries you already buy, help you prepare nutritious meals, and free up money for other expenses. Each box contains about $50 worth of food.

The foods you receive may change each month. Your box may include items such as:

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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

You can receive food through Grocery Plus even if you get help from another food assistance program, including SNAP.

Who can get help from the District of Columbia Grocery Plus Program?

You may qualify for Grocery Plus if you:

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Are age 60 or older

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Live in Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, or Prince George’s County

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Meet the income guidelines

Where can I get food through Grocery Plus?

The Capital Area Food Bank helps distribute Grocery Plus food boxes in Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County. Visit the Capital Area Food Bank's CSFP webpage to find contact information and learn how to apply for food assistance.

What if I cannot get help from the District of Columbia CSFP?

You may have other options for getting food if you do not qualify for Grocery Plus or cannot receive a food box where you live. Consider these programs and services:

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Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels delivers meals to your home in many communities.

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Food banks and food pantries: These organizations may offer free groceries if you need help paying for food. Contact a local pantry to ask what assistance is available. Find a food bank in Washington, D.C.

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SNAP: SNAP helps you pay for groceries each month. Your benefits are added to an EBT card that you can use at stores that accept SNAP.

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Group meal sites: These locations serve meals in community settings, such as senior centers, schools, and churches.

You can also search for food assistance programs in your area through our website. Enter your ZIP code to get started.

Who can I talk to for help?

A Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) may be able to help you find food assistance and complete benefit applications. Find a Benefits Enrollment Center near you.

You can also call the NCOA HelpLine at 1-800-794-6559 for free help getting started.