Southern Ute Indian Tribe

Mission

The Food Distribution Program’s mission is to provide commodity foods to low-income Southern Ute household members living on and near the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The program provides commodity foods to other low-income Native American households residing in approved service areas on and near the reservation.

The staff strives to increase awareness of the services offered to those households who might otherwise have no knowledge of the program.  The program provides superior customer service by constantly improving the quality of service.  The staff treats clients with courtesy and the respect they deserve.  The staff supports the journey to better nutrition within our native community (reservation) by encouraging healthy food choices and promoting physical activity.

The Commodity Distribution Program is a nutritional enrichment program designed by Congress to safeguard the general health and well-being of low-income families living on the Indian Reservations.  Eligibility for the program’s benefits is based in part on income, residence on the reservation or in near areas, and resource guidelines established by the Federal Government.

The Tribe has designated La Plata (excluding the city of Durango) and Archuleta counties in Colorado as its near areas where Tribal members can receive program services.  Effective February 1994, those Native American households living in defined “near areas” of the Southern Ute Reservation may also participate in the Food Program if at least one household member is a member of ANY federally recognized Indian Tribe regardless of that member’s age.

Computation of Income Eligibility Standards

The income eligibility limits for each household size are based on the sum of the Food Stamp Program net monthly income and standards deduction amounts used for the appropriate state.

Income Deductions – see 7 CFR 253.6 (f)

Dependent Care Deduction

The current maximum allowable dependent care deduction is $200 for dependent children under 2 years of age and $175 for all other dependents.

Earned Income Deductions

Households with earned income are allowed a deduction of 20 percent of their earned income.

Medical Part B Medical Insurance and Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Premiums

Households that incur the cost of Medicare Part B Medical Insurance and/or Part D. Prescription Drug coverage premiums are allowed a deduction for the monthly cost of the premiums.

Child Support Deductions

Households that incur the cost of legally required Child support to or for a non-household member are allowed a deduction for the amount of monthly child support paid.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs).

Read the full Statement here.

Foods Available

Each month, participating households receive a food package to help them maintain a nutritionally balanced diet.

• Frozen ground beef, beef roast, chicken, canned meats, and poultry
• Canned fruits & vegetables, canned soups, and spaghetti sauce
• Macaroni & cheese, pasta, cereals, rice, and other grains
• Cheese, egg mix, low-fat ultra-high-temperature milk (UHT), non-fat dry milk, and evaporated milk
• Flour, cornmeal, bakery mix, and reduced sodium crackers
• Low-fat refried beans, dried beans, and dehydrated potatoes
• Juices and dried fruit
  
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Red potatoes, carrots, onions, tomatoes.
• Fruit – apples, oranges, and mixed fruit (oranges/apples).

Forms

• Food Distribution Application