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Representatives Sharice Davids and Frank Lucas have introduced the bipartisan Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025 to expand access to healthy food in tribal communities. The bill would permanently authorize tribal governments to manage FDPIR, which provides nutritious food to eligible families on reservations and nearby approved areas, including parts of Oklahoma.

FDPIR serves as a vital alternative to SNAP for tribal households facing barriers to grocery store access. The current five-year pilot, created under the 2018 Farm Bill, has shown promise but limits long-term planning for tribal producers. Permanent authorization would improve stability, promote food sovereignty, and allow tribes to scale operations confidently.

The program has faced supply chain issues, canceled shipments, and delays. By giving tribes full control of food procurement, the bill aims to improve reliability and responsiveness.

In 2024, nearly 650,000 tribal members relied on FDPIR’s monthly food packages, which include over 90 items such as meats, dairy, grains, produce, and cooking staples.