Healthy food packages for older adults
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) | NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH)
1. How it Works
Adults ages 60 or older are eligible for monthly food packages if they earn below a certain income.
Once every month, you or someone representing you can pick up your food package at a CSFP distribution site.
Packages can include cheese, milk, rice, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables, fruits, chicken or fish, and more.
During summer, you can also get additional benefits to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at farmers’ markets.
CSFP nutritionists also give cooking demonstrations and nutrition lessons.
Additionally, CSFP can connect you to health care and social service agencies.
You can get CSFP even if you are receiving SNAP (food stamp) benefits.
2. Determine your eligibility
To be eligible, you should be able to answer yes to these questions:
Are you 60 years old or older?
Are you a New York State resident?
You do not need to be a US citizen to receive CSFP benefits.
Is your household’s total pre-tax income equal to or less than CSFP income requirements below?
If your household size is 1, your income in a year must be at or below $19,578.
If your household size is 2, your income in a year must be at or below $26,572.
If your household size is 3, your income in a year must be at or below $33,566.
If your household size is 4, your income in a year must be at or below $40,560.
If your household size is 5, your income in a year must be at or below $47,554.
If your household size is 6, your income in a year must be at or below $54,548.
If your household size is 7, your income in a year must be at or below $61,542.
If your household size is 8, your income in a year must be at or below $68,536.
For each additional person, add $6,994.
3. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply by phone
Call a CSFP local agency provider near you for application information.
Bronx: 917-982-2564
Brooklyn: 718-498-9208
Manhattan: 212-566-7855
Nassau/Suffolk: 631-873-4775
Apply in person
Visit a CSFP site near you. Call ahead to confirm the documents that you will need to bring.