Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Washington State Department of Agriculture's Food Assistance (FA) program manages CSFP, receiving food and operational funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for distribution to 13 CSFP Lead Agencies statewide. These hunger-relief organizations have an Agreement with FA to provide CSFP food to more than 5,000 individuals who are 60 years of age and older in Washington.
The focus of CSFP is on nutritional supplementation. The program provides participants with cheese and a variety of shelf-stable food items including fruits, vegetables, healthy juices, dairy, potatoes, cereal, rice, and protein.
WHO CAN RECEIVE CSFP FOOD?
Individuals eligible to receive CSFP food are: at least 60 years of age, self-declare they earn 130% or less of the Federal Poverty Level, and are in need of food. When applying for the program, individuals must verify both their identity and address. All other information is self-declared. No one will be asked for proof of income. Program participants must pick up their CSFP food each month. If an individual fails to pick up their CSFP food for two consecutive months, they may be removed from the program. The Lead Agency in your area can be found on the Access Food Near You page, and they can help you connect to the program if it is offered in your county.
PROGRAM FUNDS AND FOOD
Program funds and food come primarily from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). These federal funds are re-authorized every five years through the Farm Bill. The portion of funds Washington State receives is determined by available federal funding and the number of clients actively participating in the program. CSFP Lead Agencies receive program operational funds and food, and are responsible for distributing that food throughout one or more counties. Clients receive a predetermined selection of CSFP foods once a month at the same location. The foods are thoughtfully packaged to include items from various food groups, often including low-sodium and/or low sugar items. Periodically CSFP clients also receive nutrition education materials.
How are participating providers determined?
Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) holds agreements with Lead Agencies, which are responsible for program operations at the county level. A CSFP Lead Agency may be responsible for one or more counties. The amount of food and funding a CSFP Lead Agency receives is determined by the federal budget and allocated based on the number of CSFP clients they serve. Each Lead Agency determines which eligible local providers participate in order to ensure program participants receive services. Though the CSFP program has expanded to new counties in recent years, due to federal funding limits it is not available statewide.
Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: program.intake@usda.gov
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.