Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Pennsylvania

If you live in Pennsylvania and need extra help putting nutritious food on the table, Pennsylvania’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers a free box of healthy foods each month (usually picked up at a local site). Each box contains items like grains, canned fruits and vegetables, and juice. These foods provide important nutrients many older adults need, like vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron.

In Pennsylvania, the program is run by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and distributed through local food banks and distribution partners.

How does the Pennsylvania Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

The Pennsylvania Commodity Supplemental Food Program is a federally funded program that works to improve the health of low-income adults age 60 and older by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods.

Once enrolled, you will pick up your monthly food package—usually about a 40-pound box—from a Pennsylvania food distribution center near you. You can also designate someone to pick them up for you if you are unable.

CSFP foods may include:

-

Canned fruits and vegetables

-

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

-

Pasta or rice

-

Dry beans or peanut butter

-

Fruit juices

-

Dry cereals

-

Cheese

-

Powdered and canned milk

The Pennsylvania CSFP is not meant to provide you with a complete diet, but to help save you money and ensure your meals are nutritious. Even if you already get help from other food programs like SNAP, you can still get a senior food box in Pennsylvania.

Note: You receive CSFP benefits for one year. In the last month of your certification year, the program will review your information to make sure you still qualify. Depending on demand and distribution location, there may also be a waiting list.

Am I eligible for the Pennsylvania Senior Food Box Program?

To be eligible for the Pennsylvania CSFP, you must meet certain requirements. You must:

-

Be age 60 or older

-

Be a resident of the county in which you apply (proof of county residency is required)

-

Your income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty limit (low-income level set by the government).

Click here to viewPennsylvania’s current CSFP income limits.

How do I apply for the Pennsylvania CSFP?

To apply for the Pennsylvania CSFP, you must contact your local CSFP agency or food distribution site. Call 800-468-2433 or email RA-fooddist@pa.gov to find one near you.

Once you contact the CSFP agency in your region, they will help determine if you qualify, answer any questions you may have about the program, and help you apply.

You may need to have copies of the following documents ready when you apply:

-

Proof of income (if requested, such as pay stubs or other income information)

-

Proof of age (such as a birth certificate or driver’s license)

-

Proof of Identity (such as a birth certificate, driver’s license, or passport)

-

Proof of residency (such as a utility bill, driver’s license, lease agreement, or deed). Note you must live in the area served by the program (proof of address may be required).

What if I cannot get help from the Pennsylvania CSFP?

If you are unable to get help from Pennsylvania’s CSFP, there are many other food assistance programs that can help you receive nutritious meals:

-

Meals on Wheels delivers hot, healthy meals right to your door and is available in most communities.

-

Food banks and pantriesgive free groceries to people who need them. Visit your local food bank or use an online locator to find a food pantry near you.

-

SNAP(food stamps) helps you pay for groceries each month. You use a special card (EBT card) to buy food at most stores. And even if you receive SNAP, you could still be eligible for Pennsylvania’s CSFP.

-

Group meals, also known as congregate meals, serve hot and nutritious meals in places like senior centers, churches, or schools in your community.

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 help finding food assistance, you can:

-

Contact Pennsylvania’s Senior Food Box Program at 800-468-2433 or by emailing RA-fooddist@pa.gov.

-

Contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC) 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](tel:+1-800-794-6559).