Nearly 800,000 people across the country rely on the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and the Commodity Supplement Food Program, but many went without after supply chain disruptions led to delayed, partial, or even canceled food packages.
USDA was first made aware of the issue back in May; however, senior staff including Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack were not informed until late July. Back in April, the agency named Paris Brothers Inc the sole distributor of the programs.
This is despite concerns voiced by tribes back in February.
Secretary Vilsack has apologized for the department’s failures and committed to listening better in conversations with tribes. He says that Paris Brothers Inc has since taken steps to fix the apparent problems including additional staffing, training, and equipment.
