Alabama Commodity Supplemental Food Program

If you live in Alabama and you are having trouble affording nutritious groceries on a regular basis, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) can provide you with certain foods at no cost. This program may also be called the Senior Food Box Program.

The purpose of the CSFP is to promote good health. If you meet program guidelines, you can get a 40-pound box of food each month.

How does the Alabama Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program gives free, healthy food each month to low-income adults age 60 and older. CSFP food boxes are made to give older adults the nutrients they may not get from regular meals. These foods follow MyPlate, a simple guide for healthy eating. Each food in your box fits into one of five main food groups, so you can make healthy meals at home.

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 CSFP is not meant to give you all your food, but it helps stretch your food budget and adds good nutrition to your meals. Even if you already get help from other food programs like SNAP, you can still get a senior food box. This box gives you about $50 worth of food.

The USDA allows all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and some Tribal groups to run the CSFP. States that offer this program work with places like local food banks, senior centers, and health clinics to sign people up and give out CSFP food each month.

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

You can get help from the CSFP if you are age 60 or older and you are a resident of Alabama. Your income must be under a certain limit (usually 130% of the federal poverty level).

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

To find the agency that handles this program in your state, visit the USDA website and click on Alabama on the map. They can refer you to a local food pantry or other agency that provides CSFP services in an area close to you.

What if I cannot get help from the Alabama CSFP?

There are many programs that help older adults get healthy food:

• Meals on Wheels brings hot, healthy meals right to your door. This program is available in most communities.
• Food banks and pantries give free groceries to people who need them. They’re run by groups like Feeding America. Use the food bank locator to find one 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.
• Group meal sites serve hot meals in places like senior centers, schools, or churches.

Use BenefitsCheckUp to find out which of these programs are available in your area—just enter your ZIP code to get started.

Who can I talk to for help?

If you need additional help finding food, contact a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC), if there’s one near you. See 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.