Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Minnesota

If you are 60 or older and live in Minnesota, you may be able to get free food through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Also known as the Senior Food Box Program, CSFP gives older adults with low incomes a box of food each month to help with grocery costs.

Each box weighs about 40 pounds and includes a variety of foods to help you prepare meals at home.

How does the Minnesota Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

CSFP provides eligible Minnesota older adults with a monthly box of food. The food box is not meant to cover all of your food needs for the month. Instead, it can help you spend less on groceries and add more nutritious foods to your meals.

The foods you receive can vary from month to month. A typical box may contain foods from several food groups, 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 a CSFP food box even if you get benefits from another food assistance program, including SNAP. Each box contains about $50 worth of food.

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

You may be able to receive CSFP in Minnesota if you:

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Are age 60 or older

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Live in Minnesota

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Meet the program's income limits

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Do not live in a facility that provides meals

When you apply, you may need to show a valid form of identification. This may include a driver's license, Permanent Resident Card, or passport.

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

Minnesota has more than 200 CSFP distribution sites across 5 regions. Use this map to find the regional site that serves your county and learn where you can pick up your food box.

What if I cannot get help from Minnesota CSFP?

If you do not qualify for CSFP or cannot receive a food box, you may have other ways to get food. Consider these programs and services:

• Meals on Wheels: Meals on Wheels can deliver meals to your home. This service is available in many communities.

• Food banks and food pantries: Food banks and pantries give free groceries to people who need help buying food. Find a food bank in Minnesota.

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

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

You can also use our website to look for 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.