USDA Food Distribution Programs (Commodities)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides funding to states and tribes to manage Food Distribution Programs. With this funding agencies provide USDA commodity foods to the public.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) food distribution program that is administered by the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Coordinated Hunger Relief Program. TEFAP provides low-income participants with nutritious USDA food commodities at no cost.
Any budgetary unit receiving NA is categorically eligible to receive TEFAP commodities. (See
NA Categorical Eligibility)
TEFAP commodities do not count as income to the NA budgetary unit.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a U.S. Department Of Agriculture (USDA) food distribution program that is administered by the DES Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) Coordinated Hunger Relief Program. The CSFP provides low-income, elderly participants with nutritious USDA food commodities at no cost.
CSFP commodities do not count as income to the NA budgetary unit.
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) program that provides commodity foods to income eligible participants living on Indian Tribal Lands, and to income-eligible Native American participants residing in designated areas near Tribal Lands. FDPIR is administered locally by Tribal agencies.
Budgetary units are potentially eligible to receive FDPIR benefits when they meet one of the following:
●Reside on Indian Tribal Land that administers an FDPIR regardless of tribal enrollment.
●Reside in an approved area near Indian Tribal Land that administers an FDPIR and includes at least one adult participant who is a recognized member of that Tribal Land’s Tribe.
NOTE The tribe determines the approved area.
Budgetary units are not allowed to receive both NA and FDPIR benefits in the same month. Budgetary units approved for NA but receiving zero benefits are eligible to apply for and receive FDPIR benefits for that month.
When a participant states they have received FDPIR benefits within three months before the application date or they are currently receiving FDPIR benefits, FAA verifies all of the following:
●The budgetary unit’s FDPIR participation status.
●The status of an FDPIR Intentional program violation (IPV).
Legal Authorities
7 CFR 247.2(a)
7 CFR 247.10(a)
7 CFR 248.8(a)
7 CFR 248.14(h)
last revised 09/18/2023