The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) was established to provide nutritious commodities to help State and local agencies supplement food resources of the low-income elderly. Through local agencies, each participant receives a monthly package of commodities, based on food package guide rates developed by the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Services (FNS). Food packages include such nutritious foods as milk, cereal, juices, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meat and other non-meat protein items, and grain products such as pasta or rice. Participants also receive nutrition education. CSFP is designed to serve individuals whose income and circumstances make them especially vulnerable to malnutrition. The Mississippi Food Network (MFN) administers the CSFP under an agreement with the State Department of Health/WIC Program to receive, re-package and distribute the donated USDA supplemental foods through local charitable/non-profit Agencies in the authorized counties. Golden Triangle Planning and Development District is the local site in Oktibbeha and Lowndes County to distribute Commodity Supplemental Food Boxes (CSFP). At the present time, GTPDD distributes 225 boxes in Oktibbeha County and 170 boxes in Lowndes County each month to low-income seniors age 60 years of age and older. Currently there are 86 individuals on the Waiting List in both counties. All participants must be 60 years of age and older, meet the CSFP household income eligibility guidelines and must reside in the selected CSFP county. Income guidelines are updated yearly by USDA and are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For more information on the CSFP program or to speak to someone about filling out an application for a Commodity Supplemental Food Box, please call (662)324-1173 and speak with Melody or Amy.