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FDPIR Program Fact Sheet

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What is FDPIR?

The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) provides USDA Foods to income-eligible 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 Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administers FDPIR at the federal level. The program 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 102 ITOs and 3 state agencies.

USDA purchases and ships USDA Foods, selected from a list of available foods, to the ITOs and state agencies. 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 (codified in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018) and Section 4(a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection Act of 1973. FDPIR is authorized through 2023. Federal regulations governing the program can be found at 7 CFR Parts 250, 253, and 254.

Page updated: June 25, 2021