For 22 years, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) has been a lifeline for tens of thousands of seniors in Los Angeles County. Launched in May 2003 at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, the program has delivered nutritious food and essential groceries to income-eligible adults aged 60 and older, helping ensure that our older neighbors can age with dignity and health.

What Is CSFP?

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federally funded nutrition assistance program designed to improve the health of low-income seniors by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. Administered nationally by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and operated locally through food banks and partner agencies, CSFP provides monthly food packages filled with staples such as canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, milk, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and more.

Unlike other nutrition programs, such as SNAP or WIC, CSFP is uniquely tailored to the needs of seniors. It recognizes the importance of consistent access to nutritious food in preventing health challenges such as osteoporosis, hypertension, and diabetes. Each monthly package is thoughtfully curated to provide essential nutrients that older adults may struggle to afford or access.

CSFP’s Impact in Los Angeles County

Since its launch at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank in May 2003, the CSFP has grown into one of the largest senior nutrition programs in California and the nation. Today, the Food Bank serves more than 26,000 seniors every month through the program and distributes millions of pounds of food each year across Los Angeles County.

These food packages are distributed at over 150 sites countywide, including senior centers, housing complexes, churches, and community organizations. For seniors who may have limited mobility or live on fixed incomes, these locations bring healthy food directly into their communities, reducing barriers to access and supporting independence.

Over the past two decades, CSFP at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has:

• Provided millions of nutritious meals to seniors across Los Angeles County
• Built partnerships with community organizations to ensure convenient, dignified access to food
• Improved health outcomes by delivering nutrient-rich foods tailored to older adults
• Helped seniors stretch their budgets by offsetting grocery costs

In addition to the USDA-provided commodities, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank also enhances the CSFP experience by leveraging private funding to provide fresh produce. Thanks to support from the Nesbitt Family Charitable Foundation, between February and April 2025, CSFP participants received more than 21,000 produce kits, amounting to over 147,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables, at 100 distributions across 56 sites. These produce kits, either a 6-pound mesh bag or a 10-pound box, include at least three varieties of fresh items, further promoting health and variety in older adults’ diets.

How Does CSFP Work?

Eligible participants enroll in the program through local agencies, meeting income guidelines set by the USDA. Once enrolled, they receive a monthly food package at no cost, filled with shelf-stable, nutritious foods designed to supplement what they buy on their own.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank manages distribution and logistics in collaboration with its network of community partners, ensuring that food reaches the hands of seniors who need it most. Volunteers play a vital role in this effort, helping sort, pack, and distribute food with care and compassion.

Why CSFP Matters

For many older adults in Los Angeles County, living on a fixed income means making tough choices between paying for medicine, utilities, rent, or food. CSFP helps alleviate one of those burdens by providing reliable, healthy food every month. The program does more than just fill a pantry. It nourishes bodies, supports healthy aging, and builds community connections.

At the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, we are proud to celebrate 22 years of CSFP—22 years of standing alongside our seniors, ensuring they have access to the food and nutrition they deserve.

Want to Learn More?

If you or someone you know is a senior in need of food assistance, visit LAFoodBank.org/CSFP or call (323) 234-3030 to learn more about eligibility and enrollment.