Participant Food Boxes
Nutritious USDA food for qualifying individuals
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP, or Participant Food Boxes) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA food.
Through our partnership with The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Catholic Charities distributes Participant Food Boxes to qualifying residents in Cole County.
Live Outside of Cole County?
If you live outside of Cole County, you can still receive a Participant Food Box.
Click CSFP on the filters to find Participant Food Boxes near you.
What Foods Are Included?
Participant Food Box packages could include a variety of nutritious foods:
- Nonfat dry and ultra-high-temperature fluid milk
- Juice
- Farina and oats
- Ready-to-eat cereal
- Rice and pasta
- Peanut butter and dry beans
- Canned meat, poultry, or fish
- Canned fruits and vegetables
Who Qualifies?
Missouri residents who are 60 years of age or older with household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines qualify for the program. Income is self-declared, and proof of age and Missouri residency is provided at the time of application.
For a household of one, this equates to $23,940 or less annually; for a household of two, $32,460 or less annually (guidelines effective February 10, 2026).
Application Process
Download and complete the Participant Food Box Application and Oasis Release of Information forms.
Visit Catholic Charities in person to submit your completed forms or receive assistance from our staff in filling them out.
All applicants must visit Catholic Charities in person, whether bringing completed forms or requesting assistance.
Application Forms
All forms need to be filled out. The applications can be filled out online in your browser and then printed or saved; the Proxy Form & Oasis Release of Information can be printed and filled out by hand.
Required Documents
Every participant is required to apply every three years.
Once all application materials are received, Catholic Charities will confirm eligibility and contact applicants regarding their enrollment and next steps. Catholic Charities staff and volunteers work with recipients to arrange a time to drop the box off at the senior's home.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Stories of Hope
See the work around Participant Food Boxes at Catholic Charities
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