Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - New York

If you are 60 or older and live in New York City or Long Island, you may be able to get a free box of food each month through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Also known as the Senior Food Box Program, CSFP helps older adults with low incomes get nutritious food at no cost.

Each food box weighs about 40 pounds and includes a variety of foods you can use to prepare meals at home. The food can also help stretch your grocery budget and lower your food costs.

How does the New York Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

CSFP food is available to eligible older adults who live in New York City or Long Island. If you qualify, you can get a food box each month at no cost. The box is designed to add to the food you already have at home. It is not meant to cover all of your food needs for the month, but it can give you extra nutritious foods and help reduce your grocery bill.

CSFP is not offered throughout New York state. In New York, the program is limited to New York City and Long Island.

The foods included in your box can change from one month to the next. You may receive items such as:

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Cheese

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Dry milk

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Canned vegetables and fruits

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Canned meat, chicken, and fish

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Breakfast cereal

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Fruit juice

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Rice, spaghetti, macaroni, or whole grain rotini

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Peanut butter, dried beans, or canned beans

CSFP can provide more than food. Depending on where you receive services, you may also get:

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Help learning how to prepare healthy meals, including cooking demonstrations

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Nutrition and health information from nutritionists

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Referrals to health care and social service agencies that can help with other needs

You can participate in CSFP even if you receive food assistance through another program, such as SNAP. A typical CSFP food box contains about $50 worth of food.

Who can get help from the New York Senior Food Box Program?

You may be able to receive CSFP food if you:

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Are age 60 or older

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Live in New York City or Long Island

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Meet the income guidelines

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

CSFP is offered through local agencies in New York City and Long Island. Each agency serves a specific area and can tell you whether you can apply, answer questions about the program, and help you with the application process.

The New York State Department of Health provides contact information for local CSFP agencies. Use the agency list to find the provider that serves your area.

What if I cannot get help from New York CSFP?

If you do not qualify for CSFP or the program is not available where you live, you may have other ways to get help with food. 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: Food banks and pantries provide free groceries to people who need help paying for food. Find a food bank in New York.

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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 sites provide meals at 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.