Food Assistance for Older Adults
If you are age 60 or older, or if you're helping an older adult find food assistance, we're here to help. The Central Texas Food Bank offers programs designed specifically for older adults, making it easier to access nutritious food close to home.
Whether you're looking for fresh groceries, monthly grocery support or a USDA food box, this page can help you understand which program may be right for you.
Which Program Is Right for Me?
Golden Harvest Market
Fresh groceries in a welcoming market-style setting
Golden Harvest Market provides older adults with free groceries at community locations across Central Texas. Participants may receive fresh produce and pantry staples through a distribution designed specifically for older adults.
Golden Harvest Market may be right for you if:
- You are age 60 or older.
- You are looking for fresh produce and pantry staples.
- You want a simple, welcoming food distribution.
Healthy Options Program for the Elderly (HOPE)
Monthly groceries for older adults needing food support
HOPE provides monthly groceries to older adults who need additional food assistance. The program is designed to help stretch grocery budgets and provide nutritious pantry staples throughout the month.
HOPE may be right for you if:
- You are age 60 or older.
- You need ongoing grocery assistance.
- You want monthly food support with fewer eligibility requirements.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
USDA monthly food boxes
CSFP provides eligible older adults with a monthly box of nutritious USDA foods.
CSFP may be right for you if:
- You are age 60 or older.
- You meet USDA income guidelines.
- You would benefit from a monthly box of shelf-stable groceries.
Compare Our Older Adult Programs
| Program | Best For | Age | Income Requirement | What You'll Receive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Harvest Market | Fresh groceries | 60+ | Varies by location | Fresh produce and pantry staples |
| HOPE | Monthly grocery assistance | 60+ | No proof of income required | 15–20 pounds of groceries each month |
| CSFP | USDA monthly food box | 60+ | Yes | 25–30 pound USDA food box each month |
Find a Site Near You
Use Find Food Now to search for older adult food programs near you.
- Enter your ZIP code, or the ZIP code for the area where you want to search.
- Select the Older Adult Programs filter.
- Review the location, date, time and program details before you go.
What to Expect
- Food is provided at no cost.
- Staff and volunteers are available to answer questions.
- Many distributions include fresh produce and healthy pantry staples.
- Some programs have eligibility requirements while others have fewer requirements.
- You may be able to designate someone to pick up food on your behalf for certain programs.
Program Details
Golden Harvest Market
Golden Harvest Market is a food distribution designed for older adults. Depending on the location, participants may receive fresh produce, pantry staples and other grocery items.
Use Find Food Now and select the Older Adult Programs filter to find a Golden Harvest Market near you.
Healthy Options Program for the Elderly (HOPE)
What You Receive
HOPE provides a monthly supply of approximately 15–20 pounds of shelf-stable groceries, which may include:
- Canned meat or fish
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Milk
- Beans and pasta
- Pasta sauce
- Cereal
Who Can Join
- You must be age 60 or older.
- You must need food support.
- Proof of income is not required.
How to Get Started
- Use Find Food Now.
- Select the Older Adult Programs filter.
- Visit the site during its listed distribution hours.
- Staff or volunteers will guide you through the process.
If Someone Else Picks Up for You
You may be able to appoint a proxy to pick up food on your behalf. Write a brief, signed note with your name, the proxy's name, your signature and the date.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
What You Receive
Each month, eligible participants receive a box weighing approximately 25–30 pounds that may include:
- Cereal
- Shelf-stable milk
- Juice
- Peanut butter, beans and other protein items
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Cheese
Eligibility
- Must be age 60 or older.
- Must meet USDA income guidelines.
- Each eligible member of a household may apply individually.
How to Apply
- Find a participating site using Find Food Now.
- Bring identification showing your age.
- Complete a brief application with assistance from site staff.
- Once approved, return each month to receive your food box.
If You Cannot Pick Up Your Box
You may designate one or more proxies to pick up your monthly food box. Provide a signed note including your name, the proxy's name, a statement saying they may pick up your box, your signature and the date. Your designated proxy must present their own identification.
Helpful Tips
- Bring a cart or reusable bags to carry your groceries.
- Confirm distribution hours before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
No. Please visit during the scheduled distribution hours listed in Find Food Now.
Can more than one older adult in my household participate?
Yes. Each eligible person may apply separately for CSFP. HOPE and Golden Harvest Market participation may vary by site.
What counts as income for CSFP?
Some benefits are not counted toward income eligibility. Staff at your distribution site can help determine whether you qualify.
Can someone else pick up food for me?
For CSFP, you may designate a proxy to pick up your food. HOPE and Golden Harvest Market proxy pickup may vary by site. Please contact your distribution site for details.
Is home delivery available?
No. These programs do not offer home delivery. Some locations may have volunteers or community partners who can provide additional assistance, but availability varies by site.
Need Help?
If you're not sure which program is right for you, we're happy to help.
Food Assistance Hotline
855-366-3401
Main Office
512-282-2111
6500 Metropolis Drive
Austin, TX 78744
Supporting Healthy Aging
Nutritious food plays an important role in helping older adults maintain their health, independence and quality of life. Through Golden Harvest Market, HOPE, CSFP and our network of nonprofit community partners, we're committed to helping older Central Texans access the food they need today while building a healthier tomorrow.
