Fewer Boxes, Greater Need: Navigating CSFP Caseload Reductions

Feeding Louisiana and its five regional food banks remain committed to supporting seniors through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), a monthly food box program that provides nutritious, shelf-stable items such as grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and dairy to income-eligible older adults.

However, recent changes at the federal level have reduced Louisiana’s CSFP caseload to 34,373 monthly food boxes, down from previous levels. This reduction was mandated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and sets a hard cap on how many seniors the state can serve through the program each month.

While our statewide network has reached full caseload capacity and continues to efficiently distribute boxes across all 64 parishes, the limitation means that many eligible seniors are now being placed on waitlists.

CSFP remains a critical component of our hunger-relief strategy. For thousands of Louisiana seniors, this monthly box helps stretch tight budgets and reduces the need to choose between paying for food, medications, or utility bills.

Based on recent data, Louisiana’s seniors have the 3rd highest rate of food insecurity in the nation. The CSFP program plays a vital role in improving the health and well-being of low-income older adults across our entire state.

We encourage seniors who need assistance or those who have been waitlisted to contact their regional food bank for guidance and updates.

Together, we'll keep working to serve every senior we can until the number of boxes reflects our community's need.