3.11.1 Food Distribution Program (Tribal Commodities)

3.11.1.1 Choice of Programs
3.11.1.2 Preventing Dual Participation
3.11.1.3 Switching Programs
3.11.1.4 FoodShare Discontinuance Date
3.11.1.5 Denial due to FoodShare Intentional Program Violations (IPV)

7 CFR 253.7(e)(1)

The Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council and the Menominee Tribe administer the Food Distribution program, known federally as the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Eleven tribes distribute commodities.

A person may receive commodities from one of these tribes if they are eligible and:

Is a Native American living in one of the counties served by that tribe, or
Lives within the geographical boundary of the tribe's reservation. This applies whether or not they are a Native American.

3.11.1.1 Choice of Programs

Eligible persons must choose either the FoodShare or commodities program. They cannot participate in both. They may change their program choice but must tell their current agency of the desired change.

Deny FoodShare to any food unit when a member receives commodities from a Food Distribution program.

3.11.1.2 Preventing Dual Participation

Inform applicants that participation in both programs is prohibited.

Do not verify if an applicant tells you they did not receive commodities in the current or preceding month, and will not receive them next month, unless the report is questionable.

If the report is questionable or they received commodities in one of those months:

Determine the month(s) they received or will receive commodities.
Determine which tribe issued the commodities.
Contact the tribal Food Distribution Program staff to determine when the commodities were or will be received.
Inform the tribal staff of the FoodShare request, the likely disposition of the application, and first FoodShare issuance date.
Remind the FoodShare applicant that it is illegal to receive both FoodShare and Food Distribution benefits in the same month.
Document your performance of these five steps in the case record.

3.11.1.3 Switching Programs

When someone switches between programs, do not issue the initial benefit until the other program's benefits stop.

Deny FoodShare if an applicant has already received commodities in the application month. If it is too late to stop commodities participation for the month after application, deny the FoodShare application.

3.11.1.4 FoodShare Discontinuance Date

When a FoodShare member wishes to begin participating in the Food Distribution Program:

Before adverse action, close the FoodShare assistance group's eligibility at the end of the month.
After adverse action, close the FoodShare assistance group's eligibility at the end of the next month.

3.11.1.5 Denial due to FoodShare Intentional Program Violations (IPV)

Deny Food Distribution benefits to persons ineligible for FoodShare because of an IPVIntentional Program Violation. DHSWisconsin's Department of Health Services. Until July 1, 2008, it was known as the Department of Health and Family Services. sends a list of IPV disqualified persons to the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council and the Menominee Tribe monthly.

This page last updated in Release Number: 04-04
Release Date: 10/27/04
Effective Date: 10/15/04