FDPIR Quick Response Survey Report to Congress

Congress asked USDA to conduct a study on the challenges faced by the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, also known as FDPIR, particularly in serving adults 60 years and older and individuals with an inability to leave home without help from another person or use of crutches, a cane, a wheelchair, or a walker. This also includes individuals who should not leave home because of a medical condition or if leaving home requires a considerable and taxing effort. USDA conducted a quick response survey of FDPIR administering agencies and shared the results of that survey with Congress.

Survey Results

USDA must listen to program administrators and staff to better support indigenous food sovereignty and manage the FDPIR program effectively. This most recent FDPIR survey covers topics including outreach approaches, food distribution options, challenges that agencies face, and staff recommendations for improving program access among older adults and those for whom leaving home presents significant challenges. Key findings indicate that FDPIR is a vital resource for many households to ensure food security and FDPIR agencies use various strategies to provide flexible service to all in their communities who need the program.

At the same time, agencies report significant challenges, including limited funding for staffing and home delivery resources; difficulty implementing required certification processes; challenges reaching remote reservation areas; and available food package options. The COVID-19 pandemic also resulted in changes to program participation and introduced additional challenges. One operator noted, "More staff, more resources, flexible distribution models, more equipment, facility renovations will all be needed today and moving forward in a world affected and changed by a pandemic."

Listening to Community Voices

The survey solicited recommendations from FDPIR program operators. This feedback about the program will be useful going forward as USDA works to increase participation by eligible individuals and encourage expanded outreach to the target groups. Comments emphasized the need for a greater variety of healthy and traditional food options and additional financial resources and support, such as increased funding for staffing and home delivery resources that would be especially beneficial for these groups. Another operator stated, "Care should be taken to address the nutrition needs ...by introduction of foods that are in small quantities to provide ease of handling and usage and can be opened with ease." These kinds of on-the-ground observations are critical to future program improvements.

Serving Indigenous Communities

FDPIR provides USDA Foods to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations and Native American households residing in designated areas near reservations or in Oklahoma. This supplemental food program is a vital resource for many households, providing monthly food packages consisting of 100% American grown and produced foods and nutrition education to reduce food insecurity and support a nutritious diet. The FDPIR food package includes over 100 products, including traditional foods such as bison, blue cornmeal, wild salmon, catfish, and traditionally harvested wild rice. The food package is reviewed regularly to ensure it meets the needs and preferences of participants.

Read the complete study.

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