A future of food sovereignty for Native American families and communities

Native American communities have a deep tradition of cultivating and sharing food that nourishes their people and culture. However, systemic inequalities like racism and discrimination create barriers to food security. Despite these challenges, many Native and Tribal communities work hard to reclaim their food sovereignty and ensure access to healthy foods for future generations.

A couple of Native American descent holding food while standing outside.

Challenges and solutions

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Traditional Foodways

Native Americans have a long history of growing traditional foods to nourish their communities. Many communities are reclaiming these practices by growing their food through community gardens and agriculture projects, teaching traditional cooking skills across generations, and advocating for policies that support their rights to grow and access traditional foods.

A farmer working on small potted plants.

Food deserts

Many Native communities face limited access to supermarkets and healthy food options. To tackle food deserts, they're building community gardens, opening grocery stores and food banks, and advocating for food programs that offer culturally relevant and healthy food options.

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Poverty

Feeding America recognizes the connection between poverty and food insecurity. We work alongside Native communities to address the root causes of poverty, such as limited access to stable employment and living wages.

Food sovereignty

Food sovereignty is not just about having enough to eat. It’s about communities choosing where their food comes from and how it’s grown. It values everyone involved in growing food, from farmers to chefs. It encourages local communities to grow food in ways that are good for people and the environment.

Food sovereignty is especially important for Native communities. Relying on outside food systems can lead to health problems and lessen food security. Many Native communities bring back traditional growing and sharing to become more self-sufficient and tackle the root causes of hunger.

Addressing food insecurity in Native and Tribal communities

Photo from the 2023 Food Security Equity Impact Fund grantees summit.

Partnership

Feeding America works alongside Native communities, learning from their expertise and partnering to ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.

Native and Tribal-led solutions

The Feeding America network supports Native-led programs like the Natives Prepared program, which empowers communities to prepare for disasters and provide healthy food during recovery.

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Grants and funding

Feeding America awards grants to network food banks serving communities of color and rural communities, including many supporting Native communities. The Food Security Equity Impact Fund helps Native leaders to define their needs and create culturally appropriate solutions.

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Advocacy

Feeding America advocates for policies that strengthen critical nutrition programs in the Farm Bill, directly addressing the priorities of Native communities.