Are you a Minnesotan age 60 or older and having trouble making ends meet?
You may qualify for free groceries each month.
Low-income seniors may qualify for a free monthly box of nutritious groceries through the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), which is a U.S. Department of Agriculture program administered by the Minnesota Department of Health. Channel One is the local agency for 13 counties in southeast Minnesota.
Each month, the senior box includes healthy foods like canned fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, cheese, canned meat, peanut butter or beans, cereal, rice, or pasta.
These foods are provided by the USDA and local farmers. By accepting these groceries, seniors can save money for other important things they need. It also helps support local farmers and growers in your community.
How to enroll in CSFP
Step 1: Eligibility
To be eligible to receive free groceries, you must be 60 years of age or older, be a Minnesota resident, and meet income guidelines. You also must prepare your own meals. We do not ask about U.S. Citizenship.
The Household Income Guide below can help you determine if you meet income guidelines. ‘Households’ are defined by people within your home who you share meals with. ‘Gross income’ is your income before taxes are taken out. These guidelines took effect 2/10/2026.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,995 |
| 2 | $2,705 |
| 3 | $3,415 |
| 4 | $4,125 |
| 5 | $4,835 |
| 6 | $5,545 |
| 7 | $6,255 |
| 8 | $6,965 |
| Each additional member | + $710 |
Guidelines as of 02/10/2026
Step 2: Application
Or call Channel One at 507-424-1704
Information needed:
- Proof of age: a piece of identification with your birth date (such as birth certificate, driver’s license or state ID, or a passport).
- Proof of where you live (a current utility bill, rent receipt or a current piece of mail with name and address).
- Ethnicity and race (requested solely for the purpose of determining the state’s compliance with Federal Civil Rights laws; your response will not affect your consideration of your application).
- Knowledge of your household size and gross household income.
Step 3: Distribution
Distribution centers are located at sites around the region including food shelves, senior centers, and senior apartment buildings.
If you are unable to drive or pick up your groceries, you may designate a proxy who can pick it up for you.
Welcome to CSFP Information Brochures
Information for Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) participants can be found below. For interpretation services, please call the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 1-888-711-1151.
Written Notice of Beneficiary Rights for CSFP and USDA Non-discrimination Statement
Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program
Each summer, active CSFP participants may be eligible to receive $50 in checks to buy fresh, locally grown produce from their local farmer’s markets. CSFP participants can use the checks to buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs.
We mail Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program checks to active CSFP participants who live near authorized farmer’s markets in: Albert Lea, Austin, Faribault, Northfield, Red Wing, Rochester, Wabasha and Winona in early July.
Participants will need to bring their CSFP ID cards to the market in order to use their checks. If you are unable to physically visit the farmer’s market, a proxy can shop on your behalf. For a proxy to use the Farmer’s Market checks, their name must be on your CSFP ID card. They must also present your CSFP ID card and their own photo ID at the Farmer’s Market. Participants won’t receive change from checks, so please use the checks accordingly.
More information is available on the MN Department of Agriculture website.
For information, please contact:
507-424-1704 or (toll free) 877-500-8699
Please call the number above with any questions, or to:
- Update your mailing address, phone number or contact information.
- Replace your CSFP ID card
- Add or change your proxy
