Agency Initiatives
FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Project
The 2018 Farm Bill authorized USDA to establish a demonstration project for tribal organizations administering the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) to enter into self-determination contracts as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, to purchase USDA Foods for the FDPIR food package for their tribe.
We have compiled a repository of resources and materials to assist Tribes who administer FDPIR in providing food and nutrition information to their program participants. Resources have been organized by format type.
Serving Traditional Indigenous Foods in Child Nutrition Programs
We understand the importance of serving traditional Indigenous foods and encourage all operators of child nutrition programs (CNP) to source locally grown and raised foods. We have a variety of resources to assist CNP operators in determining how traditional Indigenous foods may contribute toward a reimbursable meal.
USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative
Promotes traditional food ways, Indian Country food and agriculture markets, and Indigenous health through foods tailored to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dietary needs. USDA is partnering with Tribal-serving organizations on projects to reimagine federal food and agriculture programs from an Indigenous perspective and inform future USDA programs and policies.
Nutrition Assistance Programs
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Provides USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations and to Native American households residing in designated areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating Indian Tribal Organizations and state agencies to operate FDPIR.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Provides nutrition benefits to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move toward self-sufficiency.
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age five who are found to be at nutritional risk.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Works to improve the health of low-income persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating states and Indian Tribal Organizations to operate CSFP.
Resources for Military and Veteran Families
You served our country proudly and honorably, and we want to inform you that through our nutrition programs, you may be eligible for assistance to ensure you, your family, and fellow veterans have the assistance to ensure you have nutritious meals.