U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at increasing Tribal involvement in federal food assistance programs following widespread food distribution problems that affected Tribal communities in 2024.

     The legislation comes after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) changed its food distribution system in 2024, moving from two contractors to a single national vendor. Tribal leaders had warned the change could lead to delivery problems, and many of those concerns became reality.

     As food shipments were delayed or canceled, some Tribal communities experienced shortages of basic food items. Some sites also reported receiving expired products. By the fall of 2024, several tribes reported bare shelves and limited food supplies. USDA later restored a second contractor to help address the problems.

     If approved, the bill would require USDA to include Tribal representatives when reviewing and awarding contracts for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), which provides food assistance to eligible households living on reservations.

     The legislation would also require USDA to identify an emergency contractor within 45 days if major supply chain disruptions occur. In addition, tribes could receive direct federal funding to purchase food themselves during emergencies instead of waiting for deliveries to resume.

     The bill also encourages states to consult with tribes before making changes to the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food assistance to low-income adults age 60 and older.

     Supporters of the legislation say the changes would help prevent future disruptions and ensure Tribal Nations have a stronger role in decisions affecting food programs that serve their communities.

     The legislation has bipartisan support in the Senate and is being led by Sens. Deb Fischer, Tina Smith, Adam Schiff, John Hoeven, Catherine Cortez Masto and Michael Bennet.