Sho-Ban Tribes' Commodity Program increases services
Commodity Program open for distribution on April 14.
By ROSELYNN YAZZIE
Sho-Ban News
FORT HALL — The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Commodity Program has remained in operation since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and has seen a significant increase in distribution services.
The income and residency requirements must still be adhered to, however, if people don't want to apply to the program and may just need a little assistance they can pick up a Disaster Box.
The Disaster Box distribution is in its second week of distribution and is given out every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Commodity Building. The Disaster Box contains the following: 1 mixed vegetable can; 1 can of corn; 1 spaghetti sauce; 1 apple juice; 1 can of pears; 1 pack of applesauce cups; 1 can of kidney beans; 1 can of refried beans; 1 can of tuna; 1 can of chicken; 1 peanut butter; 1 milk instant NDM; 1 box of macaroni; 1 box of unsalted crackers; 1 pack of flour; 1 cornflake cereal; 1 tomato soup and 1 can of chunky beef stew. Additional disaster household food packages will be available depending on household size.
Jake Beasley holds a Disaster Box.
On Tuesday, April 14 over 41 Disaster Food Boxes were distributed within a two-hour period. The program also increased distribution to 47 more households than last month.
The Commodity Program is adhering to social distancing safety precautions and food can be picked up by drive through at the back of the building. Applications are accepted at the office, although only one person is allowed in the office to be assisted at a time.
Megan Pabawena, Eligibility Examiner/Clerk said she does her best to sanitize between each applicant and she asks people be patient. The wait times can vary from five to 30 minutes depending on how busy they are.
Commodity Clerk Megan Pabawena wears a mask in her office.
FDPIR Commodity Manager Miranda Dixey was proud of her staff for the work they’re putting in to keep the program going. They are a small staff of four who’ve been spread very thin with the high demand for services. The warehouse employees are Scott Galloway and Jake Beasley. They have requested the Fort Hall Business Council let them hire temporary employees. She says it’s been a lot of work and even she’s come out to help put food away.
The FDPIR Commodity Program provides services to low income households living on the Fort hall Indian Reservation and non-Indian households residing on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation or in approved areas. Applicants applying for Commodities cannot be on SNAP.
Dixey said it’s good people use their program in this time of need.
“We have to respond and do the best thing we can, here,” she said.
For more information contact Miranda Dixey at 208-478-3918 or Megan Pabawena at 208-478-3780.
