Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Rhode Island

If you are 60 or older and live in Rhode Island, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) may help you get more nutritious food each month. CSFP, also known as the Senior Food Box Program, provides eligible older adults with a free box of food.

The food box weighs about 40 pounds and contains foods you can keep at home and use to prepare meals.

How does the Rhode Island Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

CSFP provides eligible older adults with a box of food each month. The box is not meant to provide all the food you need for the month. Instead, it adds nutritious foods to the groceries you already buy, including foods that provide vitamins and minerals that may be missing from your diet. This extra food can also help you spend less on groceries.

The food you receive can change from month to month. A typical box may include:

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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

The Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging (OHA) oversees the program. OHA works with the Rhode Island Community Food Bank to supply food for CSFP. Food boxes are distributed through local food bank agencies and other sites, including some older adult and low-income housing communities.

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 Rhode Island Senior Food Box Program?

You may qualify for CSFP in Rhode Island if you:

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Are age 60 or older

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Live in Rhode Island

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Meet the income guidelines

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

Rhode Island has public and private locations where people can pick up CSFP food boxes.

• Public sites:Public sites include food pantries and senior centers that distirbute food boxes to the community. After you sign up, you can pick up your food box at the public site that serves your area.

• Private sites: Some senior and low-income housing communities have private CSFP distribution sites. Food boxes are only available to people who live at these locations and have signed up.

To find the CSFP distribution site closest to you, check the Rhode Island Community Food Bank's list of distribution sites. The list includes public sites, such as food pantries and senior centers, as well as private sites located in senior and low-income housing communities.

What if I cannot get help from Rhode Island CSFP?

If you do not qualify for CSFP or cannot get food through the program, you may have other ways to get help. 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 Rhode Island.

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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 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.