CSFP works to improve the health of pregnant women, new mothers up to one year postpartum, infants, children up to age six, and seniors 60 years and older by supplementing their diets with nutritious U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) commodity foods. CSFP provides food and administrative funds to States to supplement the diets of these groups. All clients must meet federal low income guidelines.

GenERAL INFO

USDA purchases food and makes it available to CSFP State agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs), along with funds for administrative costs. State agencies that administer CSFP are typically departments of health, social services, education, or agriculture. State agencies store the food and distribute it to public and non-profit private local agencies.

Local agencies determine the eligibility of applicants, distribute the foods, and provide nutrition education. Local agencies also provide referrals to other welfare, nutrition, and health care programs such as food stamps, Medicaid, and Medicare.

• Population Served. The population served by CSFP includes pregnant women, new mothers, infants, children, and elderly people.
• USDA Foods Available. CSFP provides food rather than food vouchers. Food packages do not provide a complete diet, but rather are good sources of the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of the target population.

CSFP is administered at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information about CSFP, please contact your CSFP State Distributing Agency Contact.