For over four decades, First Nations Development Institute has championed the economic empowerment of American Indian communities. It works to reinforce Native economies through the establishment of innovative institutions and models, aiming to enhance asset control and bolster economic development for American Indian individuals and their communities.
The Native Farm to School project, supported by a generous USDA Food and Nutrition grant of $500,000, is focused on enhancing food sovereignty for Native youth through youth-centered programs. This initiative aims to incorporate traditional foods and practices, language, land stewardship, and Indigenous knowledge into education programs for Native communities. It emphasizes increasing access to healthy foods and education for Native youth, with the goal of starting children on a path toward good health for life. The project provides technical assistance, training, and funding to Native communities to create or expand farm to school programs. Furthermore, it aims to enhance educational curriculums and engage new supply chain partners, with a special focus on program coordinators, school staff, teachers, community organizers, and knowledge keepers of all ages to ensure that young tribal leaders experience traditional foodways within culturally inclusive school food systems. Up to 12 Consulting Project Partners will be selected to receive technical assistance and training to achieve these goals. Project budgets should be $25,000, covering various expenditures including equipment, supplies, and promotional items, while placing restrictions on the primary use of grant funds for local product purchases and limiting food purchase expenses.