Program Overview
First Nations Development Institute recognizes that accessing healthy food is a challenge for many Native American children and families. Without access to healthy food, a nutritious diet and good health are out of reach. To increase access to healthy food, we support tribes and Native communities as they build sustainable food systems that improve health, strengthen food security and increase their control over Native agriculture and food systems. First Nations provides this assistance in the form of financial and technical support, including training materials, to projects that address agriculture and food sectors in Native communities.
Learn more about the importance of Native food systems through these Nourishing Native Foods & Health Resources.
Current Projects
Bringing Fresh Foods to Zuni – From Fruits, to Vegetables, to Meat
Today’s Major Market features a grocery, deli, coffee shop, and bakery, as well as educational resources, healthy eat and go meals, and even fresh meat cut to order. And now, with support from First Nations, this market is poised to bring even more benefits to the Zuni community.
Read Full StoryOneida Nation Trains More Butchers to Fortify Its Protein Supply Chain
The Oneida Nation has welcomed eight new butcher apprentices. A plumber, a physical therapist, and other tribal members of all ages and walks of life came together for a cumulative eight-day training ― both online and onsite ― to learn how to safely and respectfully process meat to feed the Oneida community.
Read Full StoryHunkpati Processors Bring Local, High-Quality Beef to the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe
The Crow Creek Sioux Tribal Council created the Pandemic Food Sovereignty Project. This long-term, strategic program included the purchase of two large greenhouses to grow fruits, herbs, and vegetables, and most important, the construction of a brand-new 2,600-square-foot meat processing plant on the existing 7,100-acre Crow Creek Tribal Ranch.
Read Full StoryGuided to Learn, Inspired to Thrive
With support from First Nations’ 2021 Gather Food Sovereignty Grant, the O Makuʻu Ke Kahua Community Center is hosting a new curriculum of workshops designed to help community members invest in their own food systems, feed their families, and thrive through challenges.
Read Full StoryRecommended Reading, Listening, and Viewing
Nourishing Native Foods & Health ResourcesOur Nourishing Native Foods & Health Supporters
