Reps. Lucas and Davids Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Food Access on Tribal Lands

Washington, DC – Representatives Frank D. Lucas (R-OK-03) and Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) recently introduced the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving access to healthy food for tribal communities across the country.

The bill would give tribal governments permanent control over running the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), which provides food to eligible families living on reservations and in nearby approved areas, including parts of Oklahoma. It serves as a critical alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for many tribal households that face challenges accessing grocery stores.

The FDPIR pilot program was originally authorized for five years by the 2018 Farm Bill. Participating tribes have indicated that while the pilot program has been successful, the five-year authorization limit makes it difficult for small and mid-sized tribal producers to scale their operations confidently. The bill would expand on the successes from the pilot program and allow all eligible tribes to self-contract and administer the FDPIR program for their members.

“I am very pleased to join my colleague from Kansas to introduce legislation that will ensure we honor our trust and treaty obligations,” said Rep. Lucas. “Tribes should be able to self-contract to administer quality, domestically produced food. Through the USDA’s FDPIR Demonstration Project, the tribes have proven that they are willing and able to successfully administer this program – now it is time to expand access to all tribes.”

“For many Native families, accessing healthy, affordable food isn’t as simple as driving to the nearest grocery store,” said Rep. Davids. “Tribal communities face unique barriers, including long distances to grocery stores and supply chain disruptions that delay or cancel food deliveries. This bipartisan bill helps break down those barriers by ensuring tribal governments can better serve their communities and ensure families don’t go hungry.”

At a recent House Natural Resources Committee field hearing in Oklahoma City, Congressman Lucas received testimony from the Cherokee and Chickasaw Nations in support of the FDPIR program. The hearing was entitled, “Examining 50 Years of Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance in Indian Country. You can watch the exchange here.

BACKGROUND:

• 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 and in Oklahoma. 
• Currently, USDA purchases and ships USDA foods to administering agencies, which then store and distribute the food and determine applicant eligibility.
• In April of 2024, the USDA transitioned to a sole vendor of FDPIR foods and consolidated national warehouses. 
• The decision caused significant delays in food deliveries to Oklahoma tribes and other tribes across the nation. 
• During this crisis, the Cherokee and Chickasaw in Oklahoma were able to help distribute food to other tribes in the state due to their ability to self-contract under the pilot program. 

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