ANSWERS

1. What is the FDPIR?

FDPIR provides commodity foods to low-income households living on Indian reservations, and to American Indian households residing in approved areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. Many households participate in the FDPIR as an alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), because they do not have easy access to SNAP offices or authorized food stores.

The 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 257 tribes receiving benefits under FDPIR through 98 ITOs and 5 State agencies.

USDA purchases and ships commodities to the ITOs and State agencies. Commodities are selected from a list of available foods. These administering agencies store and distribute the foods, 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. FDPIR is authorized through 2007. Federal regulations governing the program can be found at 7 CFR Parts 250, 253 and 254.

 

2.  What are the eligibility requirements for FDPIR?

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 contains 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 recertified at Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the same month.

 

3. What foods are available through FDPIR?

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

• frozen ground beef and chicken; canned meats, poultry and fish

• canned fruits and vegetables; canned soups; and spaghetti sauce

• macaroni and cheese; pastas; cereals; rice; and other grains;

• cheese; egg mix and nonfat dry and evaporated milk

• flour; cornmeal; bakery mix; and reduced sodium crackers

• low-fat refried beans; dried beans; and dehydrated potatoes

• canned juices and dried fruit

• peanuts and peanut butter

• corn syrup; vegetable oil; and shortening

Participants on most reservations can choose fresh produce instead of canned fruits and vegetables. For a complete list of Foods Available for FDPIR for FY 2008, visit the Food Distribution web site at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/foods/fy08-fdpirfoods.pdf.
 
 

4. Does the program provide information about health and nutrition?

Yes, USDA provides information about nutrition, and suggestions for making the most nutritious use of commodity foods. Available materials include:  

• A series of 12 “Healthy Eating in Indian Country” fact sheets, accessible on the web site at: www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/fdpir/fdpir-pubs.htm.
   

• Commodity food fact sheets that provide storage, preparation tips, nutrition information and recipes, accessible on the web site at: www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/fdpir/cfs_fdpir.htm
   

• “A River of Recipes: Native American Recipes Using Commodity Foods” – A collection of tried and true recipes submitted by program participants (accessible on the web site at:
  www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/recipes/hhp/fdpir-cookbk_river1.pdf).

Administering agencies are responsible for providing nutrition education to participants. Federal administrative funding is available for these activities, which can include individual nutrition counseling, cooking demonstrations, nutrition classes, and the dissemination of information on how commodities may be used to contribute to a nutritious diet and on the proper storage of commodities.
 

5.  How many people participate in the program, and what does it cost?  

Average monthly participation for fiscal year 2006 was 89,920 individuals.  In fiscal year 2006 $79.5 million was appropriated for FDPIR—approximately $25.1 million for the Federal share of local level administrative costs (generally, 75 percent of all allowable administrative costs incurred), and the remainder for food purchases, including no less than $3 million for a special purchase of bison meat.

USDA purchases most foods distributed in the program with FDPIR appropriations; however, some commodities offered through FDPIR may be donated to the program from agricultural surpluses.
 

6.  Where can I go for more information?

Please locate and contact your State agency at: www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/contacts/fdpir-contacts.htm or your FNS regional office.  You may also e-mail us at: fdd-psb@fns.usda.gov.