Food Distribution Program
The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations was created by the Food Stamp Act of 1977 as an alternative to the Food Stamp Program because many Native Americans live in remote areas where food costs are excessively high and access to food stamp offices and grocery stores is often limited. FDPIR allows the Indian tribal organization to address both problems. Tribes can function as either a state or local agency. In the Southwest Region, all of the tribes are state agencies contracting directly with USDA-FNS. Tribes may receive authority to serve other tribes. This allows USDA-FNS to contain costs by contracting with more cost-effective tribes.
The program was initially intended for tribes with reservations. For this reason, Oklahoma tribes could not participate because of the regulatory requirement to serve Native Americans living on reservations. The regulations were amended in 1984 to permit Oklahoma tribes to participate. Those tribes serve traditional (historical) tribal areas. Many of the tribes have agreements with other tribes to serve persons living in the other tribe's historic service area. Serving more than one tribe's area also helps contain costs and results in more efficient and effective programs.
Food assistance and nutrition education are available at the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes' Food Distribution building Monday - Friday.
Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Closed for lunch 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
Issuance Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Eligibility requirements
- Must reside within Wichita and Affiliated Tribes'
boundaries
Our Program serves the Wichita Reserve Area (Northern Caddo County) and includes Gracemont, Binger, Lookeba, Minco, Fort Cobb, Eakly, Oney, Cogar, Albert, Alfalfa, Hinton, and Hydro. - Must meet income guidelines (gross monthly)
-
Cannot receive food stamps or have a food stamp application pending
Applicants need to provide the following documents to apply
- CDIB from a federally recognized tribe
- Proof of address (One most current utility bills with address)
- Social Security card for all household members
- Pay for Previous 30 days (for each working household member)
- Unemployment Verification for any household member over the age of 18 not working
- Income Verification for ALL other sources such as Social Security, SSI, etc.
- Grant award letters
You may download and print a copy of the application here:
COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM (CSFP)
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, click here.
Beth Parker - Nutrition Administrator (405) 247-9677
Melonie Saldana, Director
melonie.saldana@wichitatribe.com
Whitney Weryackwe, Administrative Assistant/ Outreach
whitney.weryackwe@wichitatribe.com
Jessie Delaware, Warehouse Supervisor
jessie.delaware@wichitatribe.com
James Collins, Warehouseman I
james.collins@wichitatribe.com
Wesley Jessepe, Warehouseman II
wesley.jessepe@wichitatribe.com