SNAP vs. Food Distribution: Finding Food Assistance In A Government Shutdown
November 5, 2025
When the federal government shuts down or funding delays loom, many people turn a concerned eye toward food-assistance programs. For tribal communities in Nebraska, both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) are available in certain areas, and making the right choice can feel especially challenging during these uncertain times. It’s important to understand what happens if you leave SNAP and apply for FDPIR, what you gain (or risk losing), and how to make an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the issues, followed by considerations for whether this might make sense for you or someone you serve.
What is the difference between SNAP and FDPIR?
Food Distribution Programs (FDP) provide USDA-donated foods to agencies such as schools, child care centers, summer food service programs, and food banks. FDPIR is an food distribution agency available specifically in some tribes or reservation service areas — including parts of Nebraska (e.g., for certain Native households in Thurston, Dakota and Dixon counties). Key operational difference: under FDPIR you receive a food package or “basket” of USDA-foods distributed via tribal organizations or state agencies; you don’t receive a cash benefit card to buy foods broadly.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formally known as food stamps, provides food benefits to low-income families in the form of an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious foods essential to health and well-being from grocery retailers.
Importantly: you cannot be enrolled in both SNAP and FDPIR in the same month.
Households that qualify must select one program or the other.
Pros or Advantages of Enrolling in Food Distribution Programs:
There are advantages of choosing to switch from SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps) to an FDP or specifically an FDPIR, like the Winnebago Food Distribution Program— that is particularly relevant to Indigenous communities like Winnebago, NE.
Access To Food Without Transportation To Grocery Stores
Because FDPIR distributes a food package directly, it can be a good fit in remote tribal areas where authorized SNAP grocery stores are often few or far away. Some rural communities also view FDP as an “accessible alternative” to SNAP. When households have limited access to reliable transportation and communities do not have grocery stores, Food Distribution Programs do provide certain local advantages.
Easier Application Process
Some FDPIR‐site admissions note that enrollment paperwork may be simpler in tribal settings. For example, a national study found participants said they preferred FDPIR for its enrollment process and customer service. Some FDPIR programs even provide food that is more culturally tailored to align with the community's nutrition practices. Winnebago Food Distribution Program processes applications in‐person, via phone/email, and highlight tribal staff and tailored support.
Cons or Potential Risks of Stopping Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program for FDP:
While there are advantages to Food Distribution Programs (FDP), making the switch from SNAP to an FDP, or any other FDPIR, is not without some disadvantanges — and the decision should be made carefully.
Loss of Choice in Food
With SNAP, you have flexibility: you can purchase a wide range of foods at authorized stores (including fresh produce, the brands you prefer, and more). With FDPIR, you receive a predetermined food package; the choice of items is more limited. If you or your family have any special dietary needs, specific foods or brand preferences, you may feel constrained under FDPIR.
Benefit Value May Vary
For some households, SNAP may provide a higher value benefit; for others, FDPIR may come out ahead. The program analysis found that for about 46% of households eligible for both, SNAP provided more benefits; for about 41 % of households eligible for both, FDPIR provided more. This means you need to compare what you’d lose in SNAP benefits vs. what you’d gain under FDPIR.
Potential Difficulties Returning to SNAP
On average, only about 5% of households switch between FDPIR and SNAP in a given 12-month period. If you choose to unenroll from SNAP and then later decide to re-enroll when the federal government becomes operational again, you may face recertification difficulties in the form of qualifying income threshold changes, application process changes, or just general delays due to an influx of requests and resource constraints. These potential difficulties may impact your ability to go back to SNAP smoothly.
Short and Long Term Eligibility Constraints
FDPIR is only available on certain reservations, and often for specific enrolled tribal members. Therefore, not everyone eligible for SNAP is eligible for FDPIR. If you live in an area where FDPIR is not available, or the tribal program has limited distribution, the switch might not be feasible. Also, because SNAP is state-administered (via the state of Nebraska in this case), changes in income, assets, household size, etc., may affect your SNAP eligibility later; having only FDPIR may reduce your flexibility.
Program Continuity Concerns
When considering the current or future federal government shutdown(s), direct commodity distribution (via FDPIR) may have advantages. If your household has transportation, limited store access, or unique food needs (that align with the tribal program’s offerings), FDPIR might feel like a more reliable option. While FDPIR may feel more “robust” in certain tribal settings, it is still subject to funding and logistical challenges — for example, supply chain delays, warehouse issues, personnel shortages, etc. If you are relying solely on Food Distribution Programs, instead of SNAP and EBT, and one of these challenges occur, you could still experience a gap in food assistance.
Other Food Assistance Resources to Explore
When it comes to feeding yourself or your family, especially in times of uncertainty, there is no wrong choice.
You may be wondering, so what should I do to replace SNAP during this shutdown?
Our Health System encourages you to research all of your options - we even to help you get started. Take it one day or one week at a time and make the decision(s) that are best for your family.
Interested in enrolling or disenrolling in the Winnebago Food Distribution program
Explore other options available to you!