Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is a nutrition assistance program that may be operated at the request of a Tribe or Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) on an Indian reservation, approved areas near a reservation, or approved service areas in Oklahoma. Income-eligible households receive a supplemental monthly food package and nutrition education. Households may not participate in FDPIR and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) simultaneously in the same month. In FY 2024, 107 ITOs and three State agencies (SAs) administered the program on approximately 280 Indian reservations, pueblos, rancherias, and Alaska Native Villages. All participating ITOs and SAs receive administrative funding for costs incurred in the operation of the program. Beginning in FY 2022, $4 million of the administrative funds line item is dedicated to be disseminated to FDPIR ITOs for nutrition related activities that promote healthy choices through the use of USDA Foods and physical activity among FDPIR participants Nutrition assistance and food packages were provided to an average of 49.6 thousand persons per month (FY 2023).
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
The administration of FDPIR is limited to ITOs or to SAs that assume administration on behalf of/at the request of a Tribe(s).
Beneficiaries
- Resident/Citizen of U.S. Territory
- Other
FDPIR eligibility is limited to income-eligible households residing on participating reservations or income-eligible Indian Tribal Households (see definition at 7 CFR 253.2) residing in approved areas near a reservation or in approved service areas in Oklahoma. ITOs/SAs are responsible for certifying households based on national eligibility criteria. The income standards vary by household size and are based on the applicable SNAP net monthly income eligibility standards for the appropriate area, increased by the amount of the applicable SNAP standard deduction for that area.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
All participating tribes do so via a federal/state agreement
Award Procedure
Administrative funding is provided annually by FNS to ITOs and SAs for use in administering the program. Program benefits for eligible households are provided in the form of a monthly food package, selected by the household in accordance with Federal guide rates that are based on household size. ITOs and SAs order from a list of over 100 available foods. The foods are delivered to the ITOs/SAs on a predetermined schedule set by the ITO/SDA and stored locally.
ITOs/SAs who wish to begin administering the program can submit an application at any time. FNS must determine within 30 days of the receipt of a completed application if an ITO is capable of administering the program. ITOs and SAs must make foods available to eligible households within 7 days of receipt of the completed application form (1 day for households in need of expedited services).
Program details & compliance
Description
FDPIR provides USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations, and to Indian Tribal households residing in approved areas near reservations or approved service areas in Oklahoma. Many households participate in FDPIR as an alternative to SNAP because they do not have easy access to SNAP offices or authorized food stores. USDA purchases and ships USDA Foods selected by Indian Tribal Organizations (ITOs) and State agencies (SAs) from a list of available foods. The list of available USDA Foods includes over 100 domestically purchased items, including: frozen and canned meats and fish, canned and dry beans, peanut butter and nuts, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, cereal, and other grains, dairy, and oil/butter. Through a partnership with the Department of Defense (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the USDA DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program provides domestically grown and produced fresh fruits and vegetables, and fresh eggs, to include in the FDPIR food package. USDA provides ITOs and SAs with funds for program administrative costs. Program benefits for eligible households are provided in the form of a supplemental monthly food package, selected by the household in accordance with Federal guide rates that are based on household size.
Mission Categories
Primary: Food and Nutrition for Individual and Families
Other categories:
Food and Nutrition for ChildrenFood Security
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
USDA pays for and provides USDA Foods to authorized ITOs and SAs for distribution to qualifying households. In FY 2023, FNS made available to ITOs and SAs a minimum of 80% of the administrative funds necessary to operate the program and to conduct nutrition education. Administrative funds for nutrition education can be used for nutrition education services to FDPIR participants and FDPIR-eligible participants. ITOs and SAs must follow national polices in certifying eligible households and issuing USDA Foods and must comply with program and financial reporting requirements. USDA Foods may not be sold, exchanged, or otherwise disposed of (authorized distribution excepted) without prior, specific approval from USDA. The Federal funds provided must be used to meet allowable expenses incurred in operating FDPIR.
Required Documentation
ITOs and SAs who wish to administer FDPIR must submit an application that includes a Plan of Operation, Form SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance), SF-424A (Budget Information – Non-Construction). ITOs and SAs must comply with federal financial management policies and regulations. Applicant households must submit a completed application form and provide documentation in accordance with federal regulations at 7 CFR 253.6. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program. 2 CFR 200, Subpart E - Cost Principles applies to this program.
Matching Requirements
The 20% match requirement may be waived or lowered, if compelling justification is provided by the ITO/SA.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements
Formula
Matching Requirements: Percent: 20% in FY 2022. The 20% match requirement may be met through cash or non-cash contributions, including third party in-kind contributions, and the value of services rendered by volunteers, may be used to meet the matching requirement. Funds provided from another Federal source may also be used to meet the matching requirement, provided that such use is consistent with the purpose of those funds. The 20% match requirement may be waived or lowered, if compelling justification is provided by the ITO/SA. Compelling justification is based on either financial inability to meet the match requirement or the match requirement imposing a substantial burden.