Indigenizing Food Access for Our Communities: Native Food Distribution Grant Evaluation Report

Through our Native Agriculture and Food Systems Investments program, First Nations supports tribes and Native communities in building sustainable food systems that improve health, strengthen food security, and increase control over Native agriculture and food systems.

In 2021, First Nations recognized the elevated food insecurity in tribal communities and the increased need for direct investment in Native food security. Through the Strengthening Native Programs & Feeding Families grant opportunity, First Nations awarded funds to 12 Native-led entities and nonprofits focused on strengthening their existing infrastructure, capacity building, networking, increasing access to healthy traditional foods, and supporting logistics. Further, First Nations supported a process to evaluate the grant opportunity to assess the outcomes of the grant projects and inform future food security grant opportunities.

Written in partnership with consultant Danya Carroll (Diné/White Mountain Apache), this report summarizes key findings from the evaluation, highlighting successes, challenges, and overall experiences of community partners.