SNAP and food help for older adults in Wisconsin

In short: Wisconsin calls SNAP FoodShare, and it has easier rules when someone in the home is 60 or older or disabled. Wisconsin also runs a free monthly food box for people 60 and over (CSFP), with an income limit of $1,995 a month for one person, and you qualify for it automatically if you get FoodShare, SSI, Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program. Apply for FoodShare at access.wi.gov or call 800-362-3002.

FoodShare for people 60 and over

FoodShare puts money for groceries on a card each month. If you are 60 or older, blind, or disabled, these rules apply:

  • No gross income test. Households with an older or disabled member do not have to pass the gross income limit that other households face.
  • Medical costs lower your counted income. Medical costs over $35 a month can be deducted.
  • No work requirement.
  • Phone interview. Your interview is by phone unless you ask to meet in person.
  • Renew once a year.
  • You can own a home and a car and still qualify.
  • Use it for meals. FoodShare can pay for meals at senior dining sites or for home-delivered meals, if the provider takes FoodShare.
  • Unused benefits stay in your account for up to a year.

Income and asset limits

Most households with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level qualify under Wisconsin's broad rules. If your household has an older or disabled member and your income is higher, you can still qualify if you meet the net income limit and the asset limit below.

From October 1, 2026 One person Two people
Net monthly income limit (after deductions) $1,330 $1,804
Asset limit, household with someone 60+ or disabled $4,750 $4,750
Largest monthly benefit $306 $562

How to apply for FoodShare

  1. Apply online at access.wi.gov, by calling your county or tribal agency, by mailing or faxing a paper application, or in person at your agency.
  2. Do the interview. The agency will send you the time. It is usually by phone.
  3. Send proof the agency asks for, such as income and medical bills. Keep receipts for medical costs, since they can raise your benefit.
  4. Questions: Member Services, 1-800-362-3002 (TTY and translation available).

CSFP: a free monthly senior food box

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) gives a box of USDA foods each month to people 60 and older. Locally it may be called Stockbox or Cupboard Bound. The box has items like fruit and juice, vegetables, cheese, milk, meat, fish, cereal, pasta and rice. You also get nutrition tips.

Income limit: 150% of the poverty level, before taxes.

Household size Monthly income limit (from February 10, 2026)
1 $1,995
2 $2,705

You qualify no matter your income if you get FoodShare, SSI, Extra Help (the Low Income Subsidy) or a Medicare Savings Program.

You can get CSFP and FoodShare at the same time. You can also get food from TEFAP (emergency food) while on CSFP.

Where to sign up

Call the agency for your county. Some have waiting lists.

Agency Counties Phone
Central Wisconsin Community Action Council Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, Sauk 608-254-8353
Community Action Coalition of South Central Wisconsin Dane, Jefferson 608-237-1255
Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Brown, Florence, Forest, Menominee, Waupaca 920-202-3588
Hunger Task Force Crawford, Fond du Lac, Green, Iowa, Iron, La Crosse, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Milwaukee, Oconto, Oneida, Ozaukee, Portage, Rock, Sawyer, Shawano, Sheboygan, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Washington, Waukesha, Waushara, Winnebago, Wood 414-777-0483
Northwest Wisconsin Community Service Agency Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas 715-392-5127
Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency Racine, Kenosha 262-637-8377
West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Eau Claire, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix 715-280-3258

If your county is not listed, CSFP may not serve it. Call 211 for food pantries near you. Questions for the state: [email protected].

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

This program gives checks each summer to buy fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs grown in or near Wisconsin, at farmers markets and farm stands.

  • Who qualifies: Wisconsin residents 60 or older, or Native Americans 55 or older, with income up to $29,526 a year for one person.
  • When: Checks can be used June 1 to October 31.
  • How to apply: Contact the local agency for your county. The Department of Health Services lists them on its Senior Farmers Market page. Questions: [email protected], or Well Badger at 800-642-7837 (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
  • Not in every area. The state says the program runs only in some parts of Wisconsin, so check with your local agency.

Senior meals (Elder Nutrition Program)

  • Senior dining: About 500 senior dining centers serve meals to people 60 and older, usually weekdays around noon. Some need a reservation 24 hours ahead.
  • Home-delivered meals: For people 60 and older who cannot easily get out. A nutrition coordinator visits your home to confirm you qualify. Some programs offer frozen meals.
  • Cost: There is no set price. You are asked to give what you can.
  • How to find one: Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or tribal aging office.

Things people miss

  • Medical costs matter. Prescription costs and other medical bills over $35 a month can raise your FoodShare amount. Report them.
  • Getting Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program means you already qualify for CSFP. See Extra Help.
  • CSFP and FoodShare work together. You do not have to choose.

Free help

  • FoodShare and Medicaid questions: Member Services, 1-800-362-3002.
  • ADRC: 844-947-2372 for meals and other local help.
  • 211 for food pantries.

See all benefits in Wisconsin.

Phone numbers: Free help lines for Wisconsin agencies

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 2026-10-18