Program Overview
The CSFP works to improve the health of elderly people aged 60 years and older. CSFP participants must meet federal and state eligibility criteria to receive monthly food packages. CSFP helps to combat the poor health conditions often found in food-insecure seniors. Without proper nutrients, seniors are at risk for:
- Increased disability
- Decreased resistance to infections
- Deteriorating mental health
- Lengthening of hospital stays
- Diabetes
In Florida, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program is run by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The CSFP program is funded at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It also provides food assistance and funds to Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) as designed by the USDA.
Program Objectives
The main aim of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is to improve the health conditions of elderly people by providing them with a good source of nutritious food. It helps them add valuable nutrition to their diet by purchasing food that is healthy and nutritious. This leads them to live a healthy and self-sustaining lifestyle subsequently increasing the quality of life of the senior-citizen people in the state. The Commodity Supplemental Food Program
- Improves the health and nutritional status of elderly persons, 60 years of age or older, who are eligible based on income and reside in a qualifying Florida county;
- Distributes monthly food packages and nutritional information to elderly in need; and
- Educates recipients on how to prepare and eat healthy, nutritious meals.
The eligible candidates for the Florida Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) are covered by government agencies, nutritionists, and local community-based organizations. These organizations make sure that the individuals are fully educated about the program so that they can approach the application process in a well-informed manner. This helps families to make adequate decisions to take full benefit from the largest hunger preventive program in the country.
Eligibility Requirements
Only eligible applicants can avail of the benefits of the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) and the eligibility requirements include,
- The candidate should be a permanent resident of Florida
- The candidate must have US citizenship or be a legal alien to receive the food supplement program
- The candidate must be a senior citizen with age 60 or above
- The candidate should have an income level below 130% of the income guidelines provided by the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
The Florida CSFP takes into account any nutritional risks that a candidate might have and at times may also require the candidate to stay in the area where their agency is located when they are applying for the program. It should be kept in mind that the program does not provide a complete food package to eligible individuals but rather helps the individuals to keep a diet that is healthy and nutritious. The number of members in a household and total household income are also critical factors when considering a candidate for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). It’s important to stay in touch with the managing agency in your locality to receive accurate guidelines and future policies related to the program.
The applicant will have to provide information like,
- Earnings
- Rent or mortgage
- Utility expenses
- Child support expenses
- Day-care expenses
- Medical bills
- Other benefit programs you have applied to
- Any other payments
How to Apply
There are multiple ways to apply for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). You can contact the Commodity Supplemental Food Program office. The office will provide the possible assistance and the representatives there will make the whole process less daunting by providing the necessary information. You can download the application form through the agency website and fill it out as accurately and truthfully as possible because false statements can lead you to penalties. Once the application is submitted you cannot change it hence it is advisable to be careful while filling out the application form.
Before filling out the application form make sure you have all the required information to speed up the process. Once you have filled out the application form you can return it to the food stamp office either by email, mail, fax, or in person.
For Further Information
In case of queries or any extra data required, you can visit the agency website for information about the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The website provides information regarding the program policies and guidelines to applicants to help them get a better understanding of the program.
Furthermore, you can visit the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP’s) homepage to learn more about the program. This makes the application process very flexible for the applicants who can use any of the above-mentioned methods to apply for the CSFP program’s benefits in the state of Florida.
To get more details Contact the administering agency in Florida, at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or 1-800-FL-AYUDA (1-800-352-9832
