What is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program?

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)

FY2023 District of Columbia State Plan NEW!

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. Here in the District, CSFP, also known as Grocery Plus, is administered by DC Health and its local agency partner, Capital Area Food Bank. CSFP provides 30-40 pounds of nutritious food monthly to more than 5,400 seniors meeting the age, residency and income requirements.  

CSFP food packages do not provide a complete diet, but rather are good sources of the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of older Americans. Among the types of foods included in the food packages are: non-fat dry and fluid milk; cheese; cereal; oatmeal; pasta; rice; peanut butter; canned beans; dried beans or lentils; canned chicken, salmon, tuna and beef; canned fruits and vegetables, raisins, and juice.

Seniors, 60 years and older, participating in the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, are also eligible to participate in the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Through SFMNP, seniors receive $40.00 worth of checks to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and local honey from approved vendors during the SFMNP season.

For more information about CSFP, eligibility requirements and distribution sites please contact the Capital Area Food Bank.

Other Food and Nutrition Resources for Older Adults

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

Home Delivered Meals

Senior Service Network Nutrition Programs

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: this link, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
   U.S. Department of Agriculture
   Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
   1400 Independence Avenue, SW
   Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or
    
2. fax:
   (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
    
3. email:
   [email protected]

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.