Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) - Louisiana

The Louisiana Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides older adults a free box of healthy 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 Louisiana, the program is run by the Bureau of Nutrition Services under the Louisiana Department of Health.

How does the Louisiana Commodity Supplemental Food Program work?  

The Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana. 

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 Louisiana Senior Food Box Program?  

To be eligible for the Louisiana CSFP, you must reside in the state, providing proof of address, and: 

• Be age 60 or older 

• Be at or below 150 percent of Federal poverty income guidelines, or 

• Be enrolled in another assistance program such as: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 

• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) 

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 

• The Low-Income Subsidy Program (LIS) 

• Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) 

You might need to renew your eligibility from time to time, and in some areas, there could be a waiting list if the program is full.  

To learn more about CSFP eligibility in Louisiana, visit Feeding Louisiana’s website and scroll down to “Eligibility Requirements” or click “LINK to income guidelines”. 

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 Louisiana CSFP? 

To apply for the Louisiana CSFP, you must first complete the Preliminary Certification Form. This form can be found at any regional food bank or the food distribution site nearest you. When completing the form, you will also need to provide documents such as a photo ID, proof of income, and proof of residence. Click here to see the list of required documents. 

Once the form has been received, someone will contact you within 3-5 business days to let you know if your application has been accepted.   

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

According to the Louisiana Department of Health, Louisiana has the third largest CSFP program in the country, with food distribution sites in nearly all parishes. To find a Senior Food Box Program near you, contact Feeding Louisiana or your local food bank/distribution site to find the nearest pick-up location. 

When contacting Feeding Louisiana, they can explain how the program works, help you sign up, and check if home delivery is available at your local site if you cannot pick up your food package in person. If you are unable to get help from Louisiana’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 Louisiana’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 in Louisiana, 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.