Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Georgia

The Georgia Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) gives adults age 60 and older a free box of food every month. Each box has 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 Georgia, the program is run by the Georgia Department of Human Services through its Food Commodity Programs (DFCS).  

How does the Georgia Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?  

The Georgia 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 from a Georgia CSFP distribution center near you.  

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 Georgia CSFP is not meant to provide you with all your food, 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 Georgia.  

The USDA lets all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and some Tribal groups run the CSFP. In these areas, the program partners with local food banks, senior centers, and health clinics to enroll people and hand out monthly food packages. 

Am I eligible for the Georgia Senior Food Box Program?  

To be eligible for the Georgia 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 residency will be required) 

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

Click here to view the current Georgia CSFP income limits based on your household size.  

Note: Some local agencies may require that applicants be determined at nutritional risk or meet other local requirements to qualify for the program. 

How do I apply for the Georgia CSFP? 

To apply for the Georgia CSFP, you must contact one of the food banks that run the CSFP. In Georgia, there are two food banks that serving these participating 31 counties: 

• Atlanta Community Food Bank 
  The Atlanta Community Food Bank serves Bartow, Butts, Carroll, Clayton, Cobb, Dawson, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Morgan, Newton, Paulding, Polk, Rockdale, and Walton counties. If you are a resident of one of these counties and want to apply, call 404-832-4968. 

• Second Harvest of South Georgia Food Bank 
  Second Harvest of South Georgia Food Bank serves Atkinson, Brooks, Coffee, Colquitt, Grady, Lanier, Lowndes, Thomas, Tift, and Turner counties. If you are a resident of one of these counties and want to apply, call 229-244-2678, ext. 206. 

Once you contact the food bank that serves your county, they will help determine if you qualify and answer any questions you may have about the program. Because the program is so popular, some counties may have a waiting list.

You might also need to renew your eligibility from time to time to keep getting benefits. If you have additional questions or concerns about the CSFP, you can also contact the CSFP State Office at 404-657-3745.  

What if I cannot get help from the Georgia CSFP? 

If you are unable to get help from Georgia’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 pantries give free groceries to people who need them. They are run by groups like Feeding America. Visit their website 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 Georgia’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 a Benefits Enrollment Center (BEC)  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.