Food & Nutrition

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Oregon

5 min read

You may be eligible for $50 /month

in CSFP benefits. Click to see if you can get help paying for food.

The Oregon 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 Oregon, the program is run by the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS).

How does the Oregon Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?

The Oregon 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 an Oregon 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 Oregon 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 Oregon.

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.

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

To receive help from the Oregon CSFP, you must be at least 60 years old and live in a county where the program is offered. You must meet income guidelines, which may be up to 150% of the federal poverty level or lower, depending on state rules. In addition, you could be asked to provide identification, such as a driver’s license, utility bill, or Permanent Resident Card.

Oregon DHS or the local/regional CSFP distributing agency determines the exact income limit and required documentation, so contact them to find out what applies in your county. Those living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities do not qualify for help from this program.

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

To learn if you can get food assistance in Oregon, you can call Oregon’s Department of Human Services at 800-699-9075 or find a local DHS office near you. They can tell you whether you qualify for the CSFP, how to apply, and give you the location of a food distribution site near you.

You can also reach out to the Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon which is managed through Oregon’s Department of Human Services and can help connect you with CSFP and other food assistance programs.   

What if I cannot get help from the Oregon CSFP?

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

  • 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.
  • The Aging and Disability Resource Connection of Oregon helps connect older adults with benefits programs. You can visit their website to apply for SNAP, find food pantries near you, get free food vouchers, and much more.
  • 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 Oregon'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:

Check Your Eligibility for Programs That Support a Healthy Lifestyle

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