TEFAP & CSFP

Chris Doyle, TEFAP/CSFP Grants Manager
cdoyle@scda.sc.gov
803-734-0328

P.O. Box 11280
Columbia, SC 29211

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with emergency food assistance at no cost. USDA provides 100% American-grown USDA Foods and administrative funds to states to operate TEFAP. To qualify, an applicant must have a household gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (as outlined in the chart below) or the applicant must be a current recipient of TANF, SNAP, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The applicant must also be a South Carolina resident. All determination criteria are self-declared, no documentation is required.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and Indian Tribal Organizations to operate CSFP. CSFP food packages do not provide a complete diet, but rather are good sources of the nutrients typically lacking in the diets of the beneficiary population. South Carolina residents aged 60 and over will qualify for CSFP if their gross household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, as outlined in the chart below, or be a current recipient of SNAP or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Legal documentation to demonstrate age (showing name and age or date of birth) as well as evidence of residency, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, must be presented.  Income is self-declared.

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture works with food banks as the distributing agency for TEFAP and CSFP in South Carolina. SCDA does not determine individuals’ eligibility to receive these benefits.

To apply for TEFAP or CSFP, please directly contact the food bank assigned to cover the county you live in. Food banks and their counties are listed below.

Resources

• TEFAP State Operations Manual
• CSFP State Operations Manual
• Become a USDA Foods Vendor
• CSFP/TEFAP Local Agency Application
• TEFAP–ERA Agreement

Income Levels

SC Food Banks & Counties Served

Click here for Food Bank Location information.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

For a complete nondiscrimination statement, please click here.