Commodity Food Distribution Programs
By law, the United States Department of Agriculture's Food and
Nutrition Service acquires agricultural commodities through price support
programs, surplus removal, and direct purchases from domestic markets. These
commodities are distributed through the USDA, Food Distribution Program to
improve the nutritional status of children and adults and to assist and
strengthen the American Agricultural market.
In Nevada, the Food
Distribution Program (FDP) is administered by the Department of Agriculture,
Food and Nutrition Division. The Nevada FDP provides
administrative support, storage and transportation for the distribution of
commodity foods to recipient agencies.
The Nevada FDP administers the
commodity assistance programs according to USDA regulations and state policies
as listed below.
The program provides basic and processed commodity foods
for the following:
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- Summer Food Service Program
(SFSP)
- Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
All recipient agencies must be tax exempt and comply with USDA's nutritional
standards. Commodities are allocated according to a fair share basis based on
eligible reimbursable meals served.
The State Processing Program has
the authority to convert raw bulk USDA foods into more convenient processed
end products such as chicken nuggets by entering into agreements with
commercial food processors. Most of these products go to schools participating
in the National School Lunch Program. Through the State Processing Program,
recipient agencies can provide more varied and higher quality meals at a
reduced cost.
Commodity foods are
provided as an option to cash to the meals-on-wheels program operated by Senior
Citizen Centers throughout the state through the Older American
Act.
The TEFAP provides
non-profit distribution sites commodities for redistribution to low-income
families. This food is for home consumption and is free, but recipients must
meet state and federal guidelines. Soup kitchens and other non-profit
organizations that prepare and serve meals for needy individuals can also
receive food at no cost.
The FDPIR provides commodity foods to low-income households,
including the elderly residing on Indian reservations in the state. This is an
alternative to the Food Stamp Program because many households do not have easy
access to food stores.
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) works to improve the health of low-income elderly persons at least 60 years of age by supplementing their diets with nutritious USDA Foods. Women, infants, and children who were certified and receiving CSFP benefits as of February 6, 2014 can continue to receive assistance until they are no longer eligible under the program rules in effect on February 6, 2014. Through CSFP USDA distributes both food and administrative funds to participating States and Indian Tribal Organizations.
The SFMNP provides low-income seniors with coupons that can be exchanged for eligible foods at participating Nevada farmers’ markets, and roadside farm stands. The purpose of this program is to increase the consumption, production, and distribution of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables and to supplement the nutritional needs for Nevada seniors. Seniors must meet income criteria established by the federal government.
Provide USDA commodities to
disaster organizations for group feeding and as necessary for household
distribution in the event of a disaster.