Food Distribution

MISSION:

The Fort Mojave Food Distribution Program mission is to strengthen the nutrition safety net through commodity distribution and other nutrition assistance to low-income families, emergency feeding programs, Indian Reservations and the elderly.

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) is administered at the Federal level by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) an agency of the U. S. Department of Agriculture. FDPIR is administered locally by either an Indian Tribal Organization (ITO) or an agency of the State government. Currently there are approximately 99 ITO’s and 5 agencies. USDA purchases and ships commodities to the ITO’s and State agencies based on their orders from a list of available foods. These administrating agencies store and distribute the food, determining eligibility and provide nutrition education to recipients. USDA provides the administrating agencies with funds for program administrative costs. FDPIR is authorized under section 4 (b) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977 and section 4 (a) of the Agriculture and Consumer Protection act of 1973.

SERVICES AVAILABLE:

• Food Distribution
  1. Provided monthly to low-income families

• Emergency Food and Shelter Program
  1. Utility Assistance to low-income families in the Mojave County (Monies received yearly in early May)

• HEAP
  1. Utility Assistance to low-income families for San Bernardino County (Only applications are available)

• Weatherization
  1. Provides assistance through the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona for Weatherization of homes for low-income Tribal Members

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
In order to qualify for commodities, you must be a Tribal Member or Descendent living on the Fort Mojave Reservation. If you reside near the area (Needles, CA; Mohave Valley, AZ; Golden Shores, AZ; or Fort Mojave, AZ and up to Camp Mohave Road, AZ); you must provide proof of membership. You are ineligible for the Food Distribution Program if you are receiving benefits through the Food Stamp Program or California SSI. Participants must meet the income guidelines.

DEPARTMENT EVENTS:

• Health Fair
• Halloween Carnival

Please note: Events are held throughout the year. Please contact Food Distribution for current date, time and location of events.