Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 91.djvu/995

 PUBLIC LAW 95-113—SEPT. 29, 1977

91 STAT. 961

Rico, and the Virgin Islands of the United States to reflect the cost of food in those States, but not to exceed the cost of food in the fifty States and the District of Columbia, and (4) adjust the cost of such diet every January 1 and July 1 to the nearest dollar increment to reflect changes in the cost of the thrifty food plan for the six months ending the preceding September 30 and March 31, respectively. "(p) 'Tribal organization' means the recognized governing body of an Indian tribe (including the tribally recognized intertribal organization of such tribes), as the term 'Indian tribe' is defined in the Indian Self-Determination Act (25 U.S.C. 450b(b)). as well as any Indian 25 USC 450f tribe, band, or community holding a treaty with a State government. note. "ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM

"SEC. 4. (a) Subject to the availability of funds appropriated under Administration. section 18 of this Act, the Secretary is authorized to formulate and 7 USC 2013. administer a food stamp program under which, at the request of the State agency, eligible households within the State shall be provided an opportunity to obtain a more nutritious diet through the issuance to them of an allotment. The coupons so received by such households eoupons. shall be used only to purchase food from retail food stores which have been approved for participation in the food stamp program. Coupons issued and used as provided in this Act shall be redeemable at face value by the Secretary through the facilities of the Treasury of the United States. " (b) In jurisdictions where the food stamp program is in operation, Distribution of there shall be no distribution of federally donated foods to households food. under the authority of any law, except that distribution may be made (1) on a temporary basis under programs authorized by law to meet disaster relief needs, or (2) for the purpose of the commodity supplemental food program. Distribution of commodities, with or without Request by tribal the food stamp program, shall also be made whenever a request for organization. concurrent or separate food program operations, respectively, is made by a tribal organization. In the event of distribution on all or part of an Indian reservation, the appropriate agency of the State government in the area involved shall be responsible for such distribution, except that, if the Secretary determines that the tribal organization is capable of effectively and efficiently administering such distribution, then such tribal organizations shall administer such distribution: Provided, That the Secretary shall not approve any plan for such distribution which permits any household on any Indian reservation to participate simultaneously in the food stamp program and the distribution of federally donated foods. The Secretary is authorized to Administrative pay such amounts for administrative costs of such distribution on costs. Indian reservations as the Secretary finds necessary for effective administration of such distribution by a State agency or tribal organization. "(c) The Secretary shall issue such regulations consistent with this Regulations. Act as the Secretary deems necessary or appropriate for the effective and efficient administration of the food stamp program and shall promulgate all such regulations in accordance with the procedures set forth in section 553 of title 5 of the United States Code. In addition, Statement, prior to issuing any regulation, the Secretary shall provide the Com- transmittal to mittee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives and the Com- congressional mittee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry of the Senate a copy of committees. the regulation with a detailed statement justifying it.

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