Newsroom | Food and Nutrition Service

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At White House Tribal Youth Summit, USDA Announces New Resources to Empower Native American Young People

At the 2023 White House Tribal Youth Summit, USDA offers new resources to inspire Native American youth to explore Indigenous foodways and knowledge and highlight career paths at USDA and beyond. These efforts are part of USDA’s commitment to empowering tribal self-determination and bringing Indigenous perspectives into agriculture, food, and nutrition.

11/06/2023

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USDA Invests in Bison Purchase Pilot Incorporating Indian Country Bison for Tribal Feeding Programs

USDA is announcing partnerships for a new, interagency pilot project aimed at offering more localized ground bison meat for tribal communities through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.

10/12/2023

Blog

Critical Need to Increase Food Security in Rural Alaska

A key part of our work to end hunger, improve nutrition, increase physical activity, and reduce diet-related diseases is focusing on historically under-served areas, like rural and Tribal communities. Alaska, for instance, faces unique challenges.

09/20/2023

Blog

Reflecting on and Improving on Tribal Programs at FNS

For far too long, decisions about FDPIR were made for tribes rather than with tribes or even by tribes. But USDA is committed to turning that tide and making the future of FDPIR one marked by listening, understanding and collaboration.

09/19/2023

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USDA Invests in Advancing Tribal Sovereignty through Eight New Self-Determination Projects for Tribal Food Program

USDA signed contracts with eight tribes for new Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations Self-Determination Demonstration Projects. Empowering tribal nations to select and purchase foods themselves helps better align FDPIR food packages with tribal dietary preferences, supports indigenous agricultural producers and honors tribal sovereignty.

08/14/2023

Blog

FNCS Supports Food Sovereignty of Tribal Nations

Stacy Dean, FNCS Deputy Under Secretary , was inspired by how three tribes - Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe - are dreaming big in terms of food sovereignty through FDIPR and SNAP.

08/01/2023

Subscriber Updates

USDA to Host National Consultations on Tribal Barriers the Week of April 24

USDA will hold a five-day consultation series, “USDA Tribal Consultations on Barriers/Equity: Annual Progress Report & Feedback for Next Steps,” virtually April 24-May 1, 2023.

04/18/2023

Blog

Alaskan Self-Determination Demonstration Project Supports Tribal Health, Sovereignty

USDA FNS supports indigenous health and tribal sovereignty through FDPIR Self-Determination Demonstration Projects. The Alaska Native Health Consortium, operates a FDPIR self-determination demonstration project that provides foods to 18 tribes across Alaska.

03/20/2023

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FNS Strengthens Commitment to Nutrition Security and Equity, Takes Action to Address Supply Chain and Inflation

USDA FNS today recognized significant progress made across the nation’s nutrition assistance programs and broader nutrition security efforts during the Biden-Harris second year in office. As President Biden prepares for the 2023 State of the Union address, he will reflect on last year’s progress and forge ahead in the fight against hunger and increase access to nutritious foods for all Americans by supporting vital FNS programs that assist families in navigating the ongoing impacts of the pandemic, such as high food costs and supply shortages.

02/06/2023

Blog

The Committee to Update 2025 Dietary Guidelines is Strengthened by Diverse and Indigenous Perspective

For the 2025 DGAs, USDA and HHS sought an advisory committee that would be reflective of the full diversity within the United States, with the understanding that our backgrounds can affect our nutritional needs. The broader composition of the committee will ensure the resulting guidelines reflect the nutritional and cultural needs of all Americans.

02/03/2023

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USDA Awards Grants to Tribal Nations for Nutrition Education Programs

While representing USDA at the annual conference of the National Association of Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations today, Under Secretary Kevin Concannon announced close to $1 million in grants to support nutrition education programs for participants of the USDA’s Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. In total, 15 nutrition education projects serving participants in 17 states were selected through a competitive award process that was open to tribal nations and state agencies that administer FDPIR.

06/15/2015

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USDA Launches Initiative to Develop New Solutions to End Child Hunger

In a speech at the 2015 National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference today about the extent of childhood hunger in America and the impact of USDA programs on reducing food insecurity, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced more than $27 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed help end childhood hunger. The announcement was part of USDA efforts during National Nutrition Month to focus on poverty and food insecurity among children, especially in rural areas.

03/02/2015