New Income Guidelines For Commodity Supplemental Food Program Announced

 

 

Contact:
Public Information Office
(603) 271-9388

 

Women, Infants and Children Program

Publish Date:
April 13, 2015

 

Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announces that federal income guidelines for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors have increased, allowing more low-income seniors to apply. CSFP currently reaches about 4,500 low-income seniors age 60 years and older in New Hampshire. Income guidelines are up to: $1,276 monthly for a senior living alone and $1,726 monthly for a family of two persons.

CSFP provides a monthly food box that includes canned meats, fruits, vegetables, cereal, juice, pasta, rice, and cheese, plus recipe ideas on how to use the foods in healthy recipes.

“Public health nutrition programs such as this provide important nutrition services to low-income seniors who may have a difficult time finding affordable healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables in the summer months,” said Dr. José Thier Montero, Director of Public Health at DHHS. “By providing these foods and nutrition education to seniors, we hope to prevent the onset of chronic diseases such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.”

During the summer months, seniors enrolled in CSFP will also receive fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, through the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). Community Action Program Belknap-Merrimack Counties, Inc., administers SFMNP under a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services and offers the program statewide at more than 60 sites in New Hampshire.

Seniors 60 years and older who meet the income guidelines are encouraged to call the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Section at 1-800-942-4321 to learn how to apply for CSFP and SFMNP services in their community. Visitwww.dhhs.state.nh.us/dphs/nhp/wic/csfp.htm or www.dhhs.state.nh.us/dphs/nhp/healthyrecipescooking.htm for more information and healthy recipes.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.