1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The USDA's failure to ensure consistent food deliveries to Native American tribes through its Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations is causing extreme disruptions and leaving families without access to vital sustenance. For over four months, participating households have not received reliable food shipments due to the USDA's poorly executed consolidation of contractors. This has led to missed deliveries, partially filled orders, and even expired food being distributed in some cases. Over 50,000 Native American families rely on this program as a critical food source. The USDA's mismanagement has left them struggling and unable to meet their basic nutritional needs. This is an unacceptable crisis manufactured by the agency's own actions. Immediate and comprehensive measures must be taken to restore the consistent and complete delivery of fresh, unexpired food supplies to tribal nations across the country. The USDA's offer of $11 million in relief funds is woefully insufficient to address the widespread food insecurity its mistakes have caused on reservations. Proper resolution requires urgently rectifying the supply chain issues, reparations to tribes for missed and rotten deliveries, and ensuring this does not happen again through improved planning and oversight of food distribution contracts. Native communities deserve reliable access to food, as is their treaty right. The USDA must act swiftly to uphold its obligations.