This is a new information collection request in which FNS seeks updated information about the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), including participant characteristics, program operations, and why FDPIR participation has been declining. This study will also include an evaluation of the self-determination demonstration projects (SDDPs), which allow Tribes administering FDPIR to directly purchase food for the FDPIR food packages distributed to their Tribe.
Request for Comments
Written comments must be received on or before Dec. 24, 2024.
Comments may be sent to Kavitha Sankavaram, Office of Policy Support, Food and Nutrition Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314. Comments may also be submitted via email to kavitha.sankavaram@usda.gov. Comments will also be accepted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Go to https://www.regulations.gov and follow the online instructions for submitting comments electronically.
Abstract
The 2018 Farm Bill authorized USDA to establish a demonstration project for one or more Tribal organizations administering 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 Tribes. The goals of the demonstration project include:
- Supporting Tribal self-governance by allowing participating Tribes to purchase similar foods of their choosing, supporting tribal dietary preferences;
- Enabling Tribes to purchase foods through commercial vendors of their choice;
- Supporting Tribal economies as Tribes may choose to contract with local, regional, and/or Tribal vendors; and
- Providing FNS with an opportunity to see how Tribal procurement may work under a food distribution program model across region, program size, and food selection.
To date, FNS has awarded $11.4 million to 16 sites. Through this information collection, FNS aims to understand the impact, successes, and challenges of the demonstration projects to inform future policy goals.