The following organizations may apply to receive UDSA donated commodities:
- public and private schools,
- public and private residential child care institutions,
- child and adult care food program contractors,
- charitable institutions,
- summer food service program sponsors, and
- nutrition services incentive programs (NSIP), formerly called the Nutrition Programs for Elderly (NPE)
To participate in the Food Distribution Program, an organization completes an application packet and signs a contract that describes the terms the organization has to accept before it can receive commodities. Non-profit organizations must provide verification of their IRS 501-C-3 status.
Application forms are mailed upon request. The Commodity Distribution Unit's (CDU) address and telephone numbers can be found on page one of this handbook. Applicants who do not complete and return all materials in the packet by the due date risk delayed delivery of commodities.
Note: The Oklahoma Department of Education determines categorical eligibility for public schools and Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs) to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The OKDHS School Nutrition Program section determines the categorical eligibility for private schools and Residential Child Care Institutions (RCCIs). Once notified a facility is eligible, Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) sends an application agreement form.
Organizations approved as Child and Adult Care Food Programs (CACFPs) do not receive commodities the first year of participation. They receive cash in lieu of as agreed by Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) and the State Department of Education. Once a year, the State Department of Education Child Nutrition Section mails a form allowing Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) to elect to receive cash in lieu of commodities or commodities for the new school/fiscal year that begins July 1. This notice is usually mailed in January.
Soup Kitchens /Food Banks: These groups are eligible as charitable institutions and can also receive the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) foods. OKDHS has a contract with the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City and the Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma in Tulsa to issue the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) foods to needy households for home consumption and to recipient agencies approved as congregate meal sites such as the homeless and battered women’s shelters. They distribute the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) foods statewide to food pantries, food closets and the congregate meal sites.
The Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) charges an assessment fee to cover some costs. The fee is calculated by multiplying the recipient agencies (RAs) total meal count from the previous year by a rate determined by Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU). Those who do not pay are removed from the program regardless of entitlement balances. Any commodity foods they have in their possession can be removed and returned to Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) inventory.
USDA regulations allow recipient agencies (RAs) to have permanent agreements unless and until amendments are needed. The agreements issued in 1998 were made permanent. The recipient agency (RA) must complete a change of authority form when authorized representatives change.
Exception: The Summer Food Service Program does not operate year round, so an annual contract is required.
Contact Tammy Gilbert, (405) 521-3581 or 1-800-848-4019, Tammy.Gilbert@OKDHS.org, to request agreements and information regarding these programs.