USDA Commodities are distributed once per month. Commodities include non-perishable food, meats and produce.Applicants can be anyone who resides within the historical reservation area or a member of a federally recognized tribe who resides in the 27 county service area. Expedited services are available. A complete application should be submitted for final eligibility determination. The following are guidelines by which determination of eligibility is made.
INCOME GUIDELINES – Effective October 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019
In accordance with Federal law and U.S Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, political beliefs, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write, USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten building, 1400 Independence Avenue. S.W., Washington D.C. 202509410, or call (202) 702-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Effective September 26, 2013, the USDA put in place several updates to the eligibility guidelines under which clients can qualify to receive food assistance through the LTBB Food Distribution Program. One of the biggest changes are new deductions that applicants can now claim and subtract from their reported income. Under the new shelter/utility deduction, applicants can now subtract $400.00 from their monthly income amount as long as it can be shown that they are paying any amount monthly for shelter or utilities. Also, if applicants are elderly (60+ per USDA guidelines) or disabled, any medical expenses that are incurred monthly in any amount over $35.00 can be deducted from reported income.
Also under the new guidelines, resources in the bank, lump sum payments and non-monthly per capita payments will no longer be a factor in determining eligibility. This means that LTBB Food Distribution participants will be able to keep their food services in the month of December when their certification may otherwise be suspended due to the annual receipt of LTBB per capita payments at that time of year.
If you think you may be eligible under these new guidelines, please contact the LTBB Department of Human Services at 231-242-1620 for more information. Applications and other information about this program can be found on the LTBB website in the Forms Directory along with the income guidelines that have also slightly increased and were effective October 1, 2013.