In February, due to the passage of the Federal Farm Bill, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) saw changes that affect who is provided for through the program. Once a program for seniors and women and children recently off the WIC Program, CSFP is now a seniors-only program. CSFP works to improve the health of low-income seniors at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious foods. CSFP food packages provide good sources of nutrients often lacking in the diets of older adults. A typical food box includes canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, cheese, canned protein such as tuna, fruit juice, and more.

The Vermont Foodbank administers CSFP with the help of a number of partner food shelves around the state. Once-a-month, deliveries are made to senior centers, food shelves, and tailgate distribution sites where seniors can pick up their food boxes. More than 3,300 Vermont seniors benefit from this program each month, but many more are eligible.

A number of low-income seniors report  having to choose between medicine, utilities and food. Because food boxes provided through CSFP have an average retail value of $50 worth of groceries, families who benefit from this program report fewer incidences of having to make tough choices between food and other necessities.

This nutrition program is a vital defense against hunger for our older Vermonters. If you or someone you know might be eligible for this important nutrition program, please contact the Vermont Foodbank at 1-800-214-4648 or visit our website.

Current Income Eligibility Guidelines for Seniors 60+

1 person: $1,265 per month

2 people: $1,705

3 people: $2,144

4 people: $2,584

5 people: $3,024

Click here to learn more about CSFP.   Administering programs like this would not be possible without the support of donors and many, many volunteers.  Please consider getting involved with the Vermont Foodbank today.