Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Virginia

The Virginia 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 Virginia, the program is run by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 

How does the Virginia Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?  

The Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia 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 Virginia.  

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 Virginia Senior Food Box Program?  

To be eligible for the Virginia CSFP, you must: 

• Be age 60 or older 

• Have a household income that doesn’t go over 150% of the federal poverty level”  

Note: You may need to meet additional local criteria such as nutritional risk or proof of Virginia residency 

How do I apply for the Virginia CSFP? 

To apply for the Virginia CSFP, contact your local participating food bank to fill out an application.  

The application will ask for: 

• Your name 

• Address 

• Date of birth 

• Household members 

• Household income 

• Your signature  

When you turn in your application, you will also need to bring: 

• A form of identification (such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport) 

• Proof of address (such as a utility bill, rental agreement, or other mail with your name and address) 

• Proof of household income (like pay stubs, Social Security statements, or other income records) 

You will be notified within 10 days if you are approved, denied, or placed on a waiting list. 

What if I cannot get help from the Virginia CSFP? 

If you are unable to get help from Virginia’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 Virginia’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: 

• Reach out to the Virginia Department of Social Services to get information about food assistance programs and services throughout Virginia. 

• 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.