Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Arkansas

If you live in Arkansas 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. In Arkansas, this program is run at the state level by the Arkansas Department of Education, through its Food and Nutrition Service.

How does the Arkansas 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 Texans 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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas Senior Food Box Program?

You can get help from the CSFP if you are age 60 or older and you are a resident of an Arkansas county that offers this program. Your income must be under a certain limit (150% of the federal poverty level). You must also be able to provide a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, Permanent Resident Card, or passport.

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

To learn if you can get food assistance in Arkansas, call or email the DHS Commodity Distribution Office at 1-501-371-1400 or send an email to commodities@dhs.arkansas.gov. They can tell you whether you qualify for the CSFP and how to apply for this benefit. You can also dial 211 on your phone to find a Senior Food Box pick-up location near you.

What if I cannot get help from the Arkansas 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. Visit this website to find one where you live in Arkansas.
• 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

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