Food Assistance Programs

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Emergency Food Program

The Emergency Food Program is designed for individuals and families who are experiencing brief financial difficulties and need assistance purchasing food. It is separate from the regular commodities program, and you do not have to be receiving commodities or even qualify for commodities to participate.

All you need is your tribal ID to receive your box(es) of food. This program is not based on income, is not limited to those who live in the service area (though food must be picked up from the warehouse by participants or a representative), and it does not have income guidelines.

This program is available to all Pokagon band citizens experiencing difficulties regardless of income, is available up to once a month for those who need it, is intended to help citizens for a few days until the situation improves and is going to be a continuing program. (Item availability will change.)

If you would like to participate or have questions, please contact Commodities at (269) 782-3372.

FSA Nutrition Benefit Card Transitions to Inflation Relief Benefit in 2025

The Pokagon Band Tribal Council is excited to share updates about a new program designed to support your household in 2025. Here’s what you need to know:

  • As identified, the Nutrition Benefit Program ends after your December 2024 disbursement.
  • To help combat rising food costs, Tribal Council has established the Inflation Relief Program for 2025.
  • Monthly Benefit Amounts:
    • $140 for households with 1-3 citizens.
    • $250 for households with 4 or more citizens.
  • Benefits are distributed via a Benefit Card, eligible for food purchases only. There is only one card per household.
  • Apply once to secure your Inflation Relief Benefit for the entire year.

Food Commodities Program

The Pokagon Band Food Commodities Program, developed in conjunction with the USDA and the Pokagon Band, provides nutritious food to qualified citizens.  

 We are open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional hours maybe arranged by appointment. Members are encouraged to come in or call Commodities at (888) 281-1111 for more information or an application. 

 Delivery is available to home-bound elders and to those in need. Members are encouraged to contact the Commodities Site Supervisor to arrange this service. The program is closed the last two days of each month for inventory. 

General requirements: 

  1. Complete application.
  2. At least one member of your household must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe. You must have an enrollment card as documentation. 
  3. You must live in the service area. 
  4. You must meet the income guidelines based on household size as set forth by the USDA. 
  5. You cannot receive food stamps and food commodities simultaneously. If you are currently receiving food stamps and wish to receive commodities instead you must first contact the DHS and have your food stamp assistance case closed. 
  6. You must provide income documentation. This may include three current check stubs for all members of the household employed and 18 years of age or older. We also need documentation of SSI, pension, child support, stipends etc. If you are self-employed, you may bring your tax form information. Other documentation may be required. 
  7. Complete a zero-income form if # 6 does not apply. 

Please Note: There is a USDA regulation in regard to areas where the population exceeds 10,000. If you live in a city or town, area that exceeds this limit we are prohibited from serving you and must refer you to seek assistance through the Department of Human Services assigned to your County. 

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the agency (state or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online:  https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad-3027.pdf , from any USDA office, by calling (833) 620-1071, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to:

  1. Mail:
    Food and Nutrition Service, USDA
    1320 Braddock Place, Room 334
    Alexandria, VA 22314; or
  2. Fax:
    (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or
  3. Email:
    FNSCIVILRIGHTSCOMPLAINTS@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.