Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federally funded nutrition program for senior citizens which provides a monthly box of nutritious USDA foods like canned meat, vegetables and fruit; peanut butter, juice, cereal and rice or pasta, plus the familiar two pound block of American Cheese.
Dietary Guidelines
Also known as the Senior Box Program, CSFP works to improve the health of elderly people at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA foods. Every five years the USDA evaluates and updates the dietary guidelines for the Senior Boxes while focusing on balancing calories and weight reduction. One focus area is the reduction of sodium. The USDA is working to reduce the amount of sodium in USDA Foods to 1500 mg per day or less for adults age 51 and over. Other changes include moving to extra light syrup for canned fruit, and applesauce that contains no added sugar. The USDA cheese is reduced fat and will contain less sodium as well. Participants will begin to see vegetables with no added sodium and evaporated milk will be replaced by 1% UHT milk, which is the ultra-pasteurized, packaged shelf stable milk.
Eligibility Requirements
Seniors at least 60 years of age are eligible if they meet the following income guidelines for total household income:
- Individuals: $14,157 annually
- 2 Member Household: $19,123 annually
- 3 Member Household: $24,089 annually
Interested seniors should call the Food Bank at 412-460-3663, ext. 308 and leave their name and a phone number.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington D.C. 202-9410 or call [800] 795-3272[voice] or [202] 720-6382 [TTY]. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
