Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Maine

If you are 60 or older and live in Maine, you may be able to get free food through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The program, also known as the Senior Food Box Program, helps older adults with low incomes get nutritious food at no cost. If you qualify, you can receive a food box each month to help with your grocery costs.

Each food box weighs about 40 pounds and contains a variety of foods you can use to prepare meals at home.

How does the Maine Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

CSFP provides eligible older adults in Maine with a food box each month. The food is meant to supplement the groceries you already buy. It is not intended to provide all the food you need for the month. Instead, the program can help you spend less on groceries and add nutritious foods to your meals.

The foods in your box may change from month to month. A typical box includes shelf-stable foods such as:

• Canned fruits and vegetables

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

• Pasta or rice

• Dry beans or peanut butter

• Fruit juice

• Dry cereal

• Cheese

• Powdered or canned milk

You can receive CSFP food even if you get help from another food assistance program, including SNAP. Each food box contains about $50 worth of food.

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

You may qualify for CSFP in Maine if you:

• Are age 60 or older

• Live in Maine

• Meet the income guidelines

Note:You may automatically meet the income guidelines if you receive certain federal benefits, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), theFood Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), the Low-Income Subsidy Program (LIS), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

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

CSFP works with organizations across Maine to provide food boxes to eligible older adults. The organization that serves you depends on the county where you live.

To find the organization that serves your county, view Maine’s list of local CSFP providers.

What if I cannot get help from Maine CSFP?

If you do not qualify for CSFP or the program is not available in your area, you may have other options for getting food. Consider these programs and services:

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

• Food banks and food pantries: Food banks and pantries provide free groceries to people who need help paying for food. Find a food bank in Maine.

• 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.

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

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

Who can I talk to for help?

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

You can also get free help from the NCOA HelpLine. Call 1-800-794-6559 to get started.