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 re
