Kamil Perry
In the United States, the government offers food assistance programs for eligible individuals and families. One such program is the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which provides a monthly package of healthy food, including cheese. Eligibility for CSFP depends on income, and participants must reside in one of the participating states or Indian reservations. Individuals can also check their eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and explore other programs such as the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP), which provides coupons for fresh produce. Additionally, local food banks and pantries often distribute free government cheese to those in need, even if they are not on food assistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability | Available at food pantries and local food banks |
| Eligibility | Low-income households, seniors, and people on welfare |
| Forms | Blocks of cheese |
| Quantity | 2-pound blocks |
| Resale | Cannot be legally resold but can be given away |
| Storage | Requires proper handling and storage |
| Distribution | Distributed by local agencies and food banks |
| Programs | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) |
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What You'll Learn
Food assistance programs for older adults
In the United States, there are several food assistance programs for older adults, which can help them access free or low-cost food. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers food assistance to low-income older adults through programs such as the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). SFMNP provides coupons that can be used to purchase fresh produce and herbs from farmers' markets, roadside stands, and community farms. CSFP offers a monthly package of healthy food that can be picked up from local agencies or delivered directly in some states.
Additionally, older adults may be eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. SNAP is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to purchase food, helping millions of older adults afford healthy meals as grocery costs rise. For those with insurance through Medicare Advantage (Part C), a Medicare flex card may be available. This card, offered by certain insurers, acts as a food allowance and can also assist with other expenses like utilities and transportation to medical appointments.
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is another federal initiative that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible adults enrolled in care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers. Furthermore, during the early part of the pandemic, food pantries distributed free food to individuals regardless of their income level or participation in food assistance programs. This included items like milk, cheese, and eggs, which were at risk of being wasted due to supply chain disruptions. While the current availability of such initiatives is unclear, it may be worth inquiring about similar opportunities at local food banks or pantries.
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Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal hunger relief program that provides healthy foods to low-income households, specifically targeting seniors aged 60 and above with incomes at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Line (approximately $15,301 for a senior living alone).
CSFP is a discretionary program funded annually through federal appropriations. The program provides USDA commodities and administrative funds to states, which are then distributed to local agencies for low-income participants. It is the only USDA nutrition program that offers monthly food assistance specifically for low-income seniors. The food packages are designed to supplement the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of participants, and they can include cheese, milk, rice, pasta, cereal, canned vegetables, fruits, chicken, fish, and more.
To be eligible for CSFP, participants must reside in one of the participating states or on one of the Indian reservations. Most participants collect their monthly food packages from a food bank or another local sponsor, although some communities offer home delivery, which is particularly beneficial for seniors with limited mobility. Additionally, CSFP provides access to health care and social services, and during the summer, participants can receive extra benefits to purchase fresh produce at farmers' markets.
CSFP is implemented by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), which purchases and distributes USDA Foods to ensure nutrition assistance for eligible participants. FNS also provides educational resources, such as factsheets and flyers, to CSFP staff and clients regarding the proper handling, storage, and distribution of the food items, including cheese.
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food essential to health and well-being. Nearly 62% of SNAP participants are in families with children, and nearly 37% are in households with older adults or people with disabilities.
SNAP is the most responsive federal program that provides additional assistance during and after economic downturns, after unemployment insurance. The federal government pays the full cost of SNAP benefits and splits the cost of administering the program with the states, which operate it. SNAP operates in the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, but not in Puerto Rico, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
SNAP eligibility has never been extended to undocumented non-citizens. To qualify for SNAP, non-citizens must meet one of the following criteria: they have lived in the United States for at least 5 years, are receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, or are children under 18. Additionally, these individuals must also satisfy other SNAP eligibility requirements such as income and resource limits. If certain members of a household are ineligible for SNAP, state agencies must still determine eligibility for SNAP for any remaining household members who are seeking assistance.
If all members of your household receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or in some places, other general assistance, your household may be deemed "categorically eligible" for SNAP. Most state agencies have adopted broad-based categorical eligibility (BBCE), which allows state agencies to align income and resource limits with their TANF-funded programs. Under BBCE, households are categorically eligible for SNAP if they are eligible to receive a TANF or maintenance of effort (MOE) state-funded non-cash benefit. Even if you meet the BBCE income and resource limit in your state, you will still need to meet non-financial eligibility rules and have an income low enough to receive SNAP benefits.
Households determined to be eligible receive an EBT (electronic benefit transfer) card, which is loaded with benefits monthly. Household members may use it to purchase food at one of the more than 261,000 retailers authorized to participate in the program. SNAP cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, vitamin supplements, non-food grocery items such as household supplies, or hot foods.
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Food pantries
During the early part of the pandemic, many food pantries were begging people to come and collect the food they were being given by the government, even if they were not on food assistance or in poverty. This was due to supply line issues causing businesses to shut down, which would have resulted in a lot of food waste.
Government cheese is often distributed to food pantries, which then give it out to those who need it. This cheese is a processed commodity cheese that was controlled by the US federal government from World War II until the 1990s. It was created as a result of dairy industry subsidies, which produced a surplus of milk that was converted into cheese, butter, and powdered milk. This surplus was stored in warehouses across the country, creating a federal food reserve for disaster relief and potential nuclear conflict during the Cold War.
The cheese is typically distributed to low-income families, the elderly, and welfare beneficiaries. It has been described as salty and pale orange, coming in five-pound blocks. While some people disliked the taste and texture of the cheese, for others, it became a comfort food.
If you are in need of food assistance, you can locate a food pantry in your area by searching online or asking local community groups.
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Food banks
To find your nearest food bank, you can search online or ask for recommendations from local charities, churches, or community centres. It is important to note that not all food banks are created equal, and the availability of cheese may vary depending on donations and supply.
When visiting a food bank, be sure to bring any necessary documentation that may be required to verify your eligibility. This could include proof of income, address, or family size. It is also a good idea to call ahead and ask about their current stock, as some food banks may have a better selection of dairy products than others.
In addition to food banks, some government programs provide direct assistance with cheese and other dairy products. These programs are often targeted towards low-income households, seniors, and those receiving welfare or food stamps. Checking with your local government or social services office can help you identify any additional resources or support you may be eligible for.
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Frequently asked questions
You can get free cheese from a food pantry or food bank.
Eligibility for food assistance programs is generally based on income. If you are 60 or older, you may be eligible for food assistance, depending on your income.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) provides a monthly package of healthy food. The USDA distributes food to local agencies where you can pick it up.
Yes, if you have insurance through Medicare Advantage (Part C), you may be eligible for a Medicare flex card. This card acts as a food allowance card for seniors and can also help pay for utilities and transportation to medical appointments.
