Publications & Reports

Here you can find the methodology and sources for our 2026 County Fact Sheets.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a federal nutrition program for low-income seniors aged 60 and older. Also known as the “senior food box,” the program provides shelf-stable, nutritious USDA commodities to seniors each month. CSFP is designed to meet the nutritional needs of older adults through a set monthly menu, helping seniors age in place and maintain their independence.

In Ohio, foodbanks assemble and distribute CSFP boxes to seniors enrolled in the program across their regions. To qualify, individuals must be at least 60 years old and have an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Based on the discretionary funding provided by Congress, USDA determines the maximum caseload each CSFP provider can serve. Eligible seniors above that caseload in their county are placed on a waitlist and notified when a spot becomes available.

This look-book dives into differnt program models and approaches to getting food to senior neighbors in need.

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks (OAF) is Ohio’s largest charitable hunger-relief network, representing 12 Feeding America foodbanks and 3,600 hunger relief agencies statewide. OAF’s mission centers on addressing hunger as a symptom of poverty by connecting people to food and essential resources, including SNAP, HEAP, and health coverage through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Federally Facilitated Marketplace.

OAF has a long history of outreach and enrollment work and previously served as a Navigator for the Federally Facilitated Marketplace from 2013–2017. In 2021, OAF reengaged as a Navigator grantee, rebuilding and expanding its consortium to better meet Ohio’s diverse community needs.

To improve reach and enrollment across the state, OAF focused its Navigator role on both direct consumer enrollment assistance and administrative support for trusted, community-based partner organizations. By leveraging its statewide foodbank network, community presence, and program administration expertise, OAF successfully reestablished and expanded its Navigator program—strengthening access to affordable health coverage for Ohioans alongside critical nutrition support.

Strengthening Ohio Communities Through Food, Learning and Health: A Glimpse into Nutrition Education and Food is Medicine in Ohio’s Hunger Relief Network

The Ohio Association of Foodbanks partnered with the Alpaugh Family Economics Center at the University of Cincinnati to evaluate the economic, fiscal, and community impacts of its 12 Feeding America foodbanks across Ohio. This study assessed direct, indirect, and induced effects of foodbank operations on jobs, earnings, state tax revenue, and more. We thank the Economics Center for their expertise and research, which was conducted using fiscal year 2023 data. Full report available upon request.