Federal Grant Award Summary

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Business & Financial Services Division received a $3,989,734 Project Grant award from the Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2027, to administer the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR, CFDA 10.567). Under this award, the state agency procures and distributes over 100 federally-sourced food items—including frozen and canned meats and fish, beans, peanut butter, frozen and canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, rice, cereals, dairy products, and oils—to income-eligible households residing on or near Indian reservations in Montana. The program serves as an alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for households with limited access to SNAP offices or authorized food stores, with monthly food packages allocated according to federal guide rates based on household size and eligibility.

The state agency administers the program in partnership with two federally recognized Indian Tribal Organizations serving as sub-awardees: the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes and the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy Reservation, each receiving sub-awards effective October 1, 2025. These tribal sub-recipients manage household certification, food selection and distribution, and record-keeping at the local level, ensuring eligible Indian households within their service areas receive timely access to nutritional assistance. Administrative funding supports program operational costs including certification, food ordering, storage, and distribution activities, with annual budget submissions required to FNS for continued funding authorization.