ANSWERS

1. What is FDPIR?

FDPIR provides USDA 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 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 276 tribes receiving benefits under FDPIR through 100 ITOs and 5 State agencies.

USDA purchases and ships USDA foods to the ITOs and State agencies. USDA foods 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 and Nutrition Act of 2008 and Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973. FDPIR is authorized through 2012. 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 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 recertified at least every 12 months.  Elderly and disabled households may be certified for up to 24 months.  Households may not participate in FDPIR and SNAP 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, beef roast, chicken, canned meats, poultry, and fish

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

• pastas, cereals, rice, and other grains

• cheese, egg mix, lowfat ultra high temperature milk, nonfat dry milk and evaporated milk

• flour, cornmeal, bakery mix, and crackers

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

• juices and dried fruit

• peanuts and peanut butter

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 2012, visit the Food Distribution web site at: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/foods/FY2013-FDPIR_update_12.31.12.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 USDA foods.  Available materials include:

• A FDPIR newsletter and a series of 11 "Healthy Eating in Indian Country" fliers, accessible on the website at:  www.fns.usda.gov/fdd/programs/fdpir/fdpir_rptspubs.htm.
   

• USDA Foods fact sheets that provide storage, preparation tips, nutrition information, and recipes, accessible on the website 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 website 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 USDA Foods may be used to contribute to a nutritious diet and on the proper storage of USDA Foods.
 

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

Average monthly participation for FY2011 was 77,827 individuals.  In FY2012 $102.75 million was appropriated for FDPIR—approximately $37.8 million for the Federal share of local level administrative costs, and the remainder for food purchases.

In addition to foods purchased with funds appropriated specifically for FDPIR, foods purchased under agricultural support programs may be used to support the program.  
 

6.  Where can I go for more information?

Please 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.



Visit us at www.fns.usda.gov/USDAFoods.