WASHINGTON – House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member David Scott delivered the following opening statement at today's joint subcommittee hearing entitled "Severe Food Distribution Shortages in Tribal and Elderly Communities." Watch the full hearing here.

[As prepared for delivery]

Thank you, Chairman Harris.

I’m very concerned, about how, the supply chain disruptions, caused by the program contractor, Paris Brothers Inc., have impacted the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, and access to food for Tribes and senior citizens across our great nation.

I am asking that we also bring in Paris Brothers Inc., by subpoena, if necessary, to get to the root of these issues affecting food for our Tribes and seniors in our nation.

Unfortunately, it’s clear that the Paris Brothers submitted a bid for a contract that they were not prepared to fulfill.

I’ve heard from my Atlanta Community Food Bank, in Georgia, that many of their delivery dates have been missed or rescheduled since April of this year. They are operating week-to-week, which puts a strain on their operations and creates uncertainty for the senior citizens and Tribes they serve.

Nationally, I have heard that things have even been worse. Missing and delayed deliveries began as early as April. And, as of last week, 9 Tribes are still missing entire categories of foods, like vegetables or protein, and 18 CSFP agencies are experiencing inventory concerns. Right now!

That we’re still seeing these issues in September is not acceptable.

So, I was glad to hear that Secretary Vilsack and USDA have entered into an emergency contract with “Americold” to provide additional receiving, storage, and distribution.

However still, more must be done to eliminate these issues and prevent them from occurring again.

I look forward to hearing more from our Tribal leaders and our senior citizens for their recommendations for solutions.

And I look forward to hearing from USDA about how they have addressed this issue to date and will do so, moving forward.