When the U.S. President or other authorized official declares a major disaster or emergency, disaster organizations may ask the Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) to provide commodities for congregate meal service to disaster victims. In cases of local emergencies, USDA foods can be served, but the recipient agency (RA) has to have food they are willing to use. The food may not be replaced by USDA. This has been common when the recipient agency (RA) facility, such as a school, is used as an emergency shelter during floods or other evacuation situations. The recipient agency (RA) contacts the Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) administrator, but in an effort to serve those in need this is not required prior to the use of the food for local emergencies and disasters.
In Oklahoma, the Commodity Distribution Unit (CDU) administrator releases foods to designated authorities such as the Salvation Army, the American Red Cross or State Civil Emergency Management Office. The administrator obtains approval from USDA.
This food is for congregate feeding ONLY and not for household consumption. Requests for commodities must include the following information to the extent possible:
- description of the disaster or emergency situation
- number of people needing meals and for how long,
- amounts and types of food needed, and
- number and location of sites providing congregate meal service.
In the case of a major disaster or emergency determination, contact Paula Price, Paula.Price@OKDHS.org, (405) 521-6079 or (405) 919-9063. Get other contact information for the OKDHS Commodity Distribution Unit.