Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) - Tribal
Who can receive food at EFAP-Tribal pantries?
Someone who self-declares they do not have the resources to feed themselves and their families can receive food from a tribe or tribal organization. No documentation is ever required to receive this food. Food pantries determine their hours of operation, distribution methods (e.g. shopping-style pantry, drive-thru, home delivery, etc), and how often food may be received (e.g. daily, weekly, monthly, etc). These policies must be in writing. Tribes may not discriminate against any class of people, though Indian preference is allowed. The EFAP Tribal Lead Agency in your area, which can be found on the Access Food Near You page, can help you connect to local food pantries.
Who can receive vouchers & what do they buy?
Someone who self-declares they do not have the resources to feed themselves and their families can receive food vouchers from a tribe or tribal organization. No documentation is ever required to receive vouchers. The vouchers are then exchanged for essential food at grocery stores. Eligible food includes the following main food groups identified by USDA: meats, dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains, water. At the discretion of the tribe, limited purchases of specific essential non-food items may also be eligible (e.g. cleaning supplies, diapers). Vouchers can't be used to purchase things including: snacks, desserts, soda, alcohol, or tobacco. The Tribal Lead Agency in your area, which can be found on the Access Food Near You page, can give you more information on vouchers and eligible items.
How are contracts determined?
WSDA awards two-year contracts at the beginning of the state's fiscal biennium. As required by the legislature, EFAP-Tribal funds are available to all Federally Recognized Tribes, as well as Non-Federally Recognized Tribes that are registered as 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations. Prior to each biennium, WSDA distributes Intent to Apply notices. All current and interested partners must complete the Intent to Apply form. A federally recognized tribe can apply on its own directly to WSDA, or apply under the EFAP non-tribal Lead Agency in its service area. However, a federally unrecognized tribe must apply under the EFAP non-tribal Lead Agency for its service area, which can be found on the Access Food Near You page. This process, along with eligibility and contract requirements, is described in the Procedures Manual on the Forms and Pubs page.
How can program funds be spent?
Tribes can use their funds to support a food voucher program, food pantry activities, or a combination of both. Allowable expenses include operational and limited administrative costs incurred during the contract period that have not been reimbursed by other programs. For voucher programs, allowable operational costs are also limited. Examples of allowable costs include but are not limited to: food purchases; equipment purchases (prior approval required); vehicle maintenance and fuel; rent and utilities; staff salaries and benefits; training; limited non-food essential item purchases (e.g. toothpaste, diapers); limited indirect; and the face value of vouchers. Details on allowable and unallowable costs are included in the Procedures Manual on the Forms and Pubs page.