Native Agriculture & Food Systems Initiative

Recognizing that Native agriculture and food systems are an integral part of Native community and economic development, First Nations is pleased to invite proposals from Native communities, nonprofit organizations, Native businesses and tribal colleges for the Native Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (NAFSI). Originally launched in 2001, First Nations’ NAFSI strengthens Native food systems so that food security in Indian Country will be enhanced and the health and nutrition of Native Americans will be improved. NAFSI’s goal is to assist rural and reservation-based Native communities in developing or expanding locally-controlled and locally-based food systems that provide healthy foods to community members and that supports local food producers and the local economy.

Through the generous support of the Kresge Foundation, First Nations will award four (4) $25,000 grants to Native food-related programs aimed at increasing the availability of healthy, locally-produced foods in Native communities and/or programs that create systemic change by increasing community control of local food systems through promoting local food related businesses. Moreover, this project will give priority to organizations that can assist and contribute to the development of emerging and promising practices in strengthening Native food systems.

Click here to view the full request for proposals.