Overview 

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) program is administered at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. FDPIR is administered locally by either Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) or an agency of a State government. Currently, there are approximately 243 tribes receiving benefits under the FDPIR through 98 ITOs and 5 State agencies.

USDA purchases and ships commodities to the ITOs and State agencies based on their orders from a list of available foods. These administering agencies store and distribute the food, determine applicant eligibility, and provide nutrition education to recipients. USDA provides the administering agencies with funds for program administrative costs.

FDPIR is authorized under Section 4(b) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977, and Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973. The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1997 reauthorize FDPIR through 2002. Federal regulations governing the program can be found at 7 CFR Parts 250, 253, and 254.

Eligibility Requirements

Low-income American Indian and non-Indian households that reside on a reservation, and households living in approved areas near a reservation or in Oklahoma that contain at least one person who is a member of a Federally-recognized tribe, are eligible to participate in FDPIR.

Households are certified based on income and resource standards set by the Federal government, and must be re-certified at least every 12 months. Households may not participate in FDPIR and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the same month.

For more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply, click HERE.

USDA Foods Available

Each month, participating households receive a food package to help them maintain a nutritionally balanced diet. Participants may select from over 70 products.

The Food Distribution Program is operated through the Food And Nutrition Services/USDA 

click here for Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations