FDPIR – Eligibility of Native Hawaiians

In accordance with FDPIR regulations at 7 CFR 253.6(b), Native Hawaiian households that move to the mainland and live in an approved service area near the reservation, or in Oklahoma, must contain at least one household member who is recognized as a member of an Indian tribe to be eligible to participate in FDPIR. There are no federally recognized Native Hawaiian tribes; therefore, Native Hawaiians are not considered members of an “Indian tribe” as defined in the FDPIR regulations at 7 CFR 253.2(d) and Section 1110(R) of FNS Handbook 501.

Native Hawaiians who reside on a reservation, as defined at 7 CFR 253.2(g) and Section 1110(W) of FNS Handbook 501, would be eligible to apply for FDPIR benefits, in accordance with 7 CFR 253.6(b). Households residing on reservations are not required to contain at least one household member who is recognized as a member of an Indian tribe.

Cathie McCullough
Director
Food Distribution Division