This bill amends federal food assistance programs to give Native American tribes greater input and control over how food is distributed to their communities. Specifically, it requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to consult with Indian tribes and tribal organizations before evaluating contracts for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and it mandates similar consultation for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program. The bill also creates a mechanism to address supply chain disruptions—such as warehouse shortages—by requiring the Secretary of Agriculture to designate an emergency warehouse contractor within 45 days if a shortage occurs. When supply chain problems arise, tribes can receive direct payments to purchase their own domestic agricultural commodities as temporary replacements, though such purchases cannot exceed what the government would normally spend on that tribe. The USDA must notify affected tribes and the public whenever emergency contractors are designated and must provide technical assistance to help states properly consult with tribes on program changes.
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