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In November, we recognize Native American Heritage Month. This special bulletin highlights many recent FDPIR activities supporting nutrition security in Tribal communities.
By Teresa Jackson, Oklahoma Tribal Engagement Partners (OKTEP) — Stillwater, OK
Hesci (Hello)! Mvto (Thank you) to everyone who has attended Community Nutrition Champion Training (CNCT). A quick recap from the six CNCTs held in FY24. In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, we trained 11 Champions from 9 Tribal Nations. In Phoenix, Arizona, we trained 11 Champions from 7 Tribal Nations. In Santa Fe, New Mexico, we trained 8 Champions from 5 Tribal Nations. In Portland, Oregon, we trained 10 Champions from 7 Tribal Nations. In Duluth, Minnesota, we trained 9 Champions from 7 Tribal Nations. In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, we trained 10 Champions from 8 Tribal Nations.
Check out some photos from the FY24 CNCT trainings below!
  When Duluth Champions were asked, would you recommend this training to others in similar FDPIR positions to you? Champions responded they would. A few commented, “It goes over all the basics of nutrition ed and it shows you can provide nutrition ed pretty easily and shows you don’t have to go too crazy when teaching” and “There is a lot of info that everyone who works in the program should know.” Other comments from Duluth and Sioux Falls Champions were: “I learned so much. I can’t wait to go back and do food demos;” “It was fun and hands on. I enjoyed my time doing it;” and “This could benefit every employee in the program who has some sort of contact with clients.”
In FY24, the location of the training did not limit who could attend what CNCT. FDPIR programs could send staff to the training that worked best for their schedule, and we will be doing the same process in FY25. Learning from each other and connections made with FDPIR staff from across the nation has been a true blessing! I love hearing Champions share their tribal languages and tell us about their traditional foods. The many ideas for how nutrition education is implemented at different programs are inspiring.
As a reminder, CNCT is a 2-day in-person training designed for non-nutrition professionals who work in FDPIR and engage with participants. Training topics include MyPlate, food labels, food safety, recipe modification, evaluation, and more.
In FY25, we will have five trainings:
- Tulsa, Oklahoma — November 2024
- San Diego, California — February 2025
- Reno, Nevada — March 2025
- Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — May 2025
- Traverse City, Michigan — June 2025
Looking forward to meeting you at a future CNCT! Nominations are open for the 2025 trainings, please nominate yourself or another FDPIR staff member by clicking the button below:
By: The Native Food and Nutrition Resource Alliance (NFNRA)
The Native Food and Nutrition Resource Alliance (NFNRA) was formed in 2020 to accomplish four key activities:
- Conduct nutrition education training in Tribal communities, focusing on participants in food assistance programs like FDPIR or food banks/pantries in partnership with those programs;
- Educate stakeholders about the issues of hunger and nutrition needs in Indian Country;
- Provide food products, especially culturally appropriate food products, to needy individuals in Tribal communities at no cost; and
- Advocate for Tribal and federal legislation that will better serve the needs of American Indian and Alaska Native people.
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This past year, NFNRA provided various spices for FDPIR participants and recipes that will be available on our website. We were very pleased to receive such positive feedback at the NAFDPIR conference about this project!
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By: The Native Food and Nutrition Resource Alliance (NFNRA)
In honor of one of FDPIR’s great leaders, NFNRA, through private donors, is able to offer a $1,500 education scholarship to any FDPIR employee furthering their education in an applicable area relevant to FDPIR, such as logistics, nutrition, management, or other subjects.
Charles “Red” Gates demonstrated great vision and tenacity, leading to many improvements in the commodity food package. His ability to listen to challenges, problems, and ideas, and provide wise, thoughtful guidance is what will be remembered about Red. Many people over the years benefited from his wisdom and mentorship. In addition to improving the FDPIR program for current clients, it will benefit future generations as well.
This scholarship is available to all FDPIR employees. The application deadline is December 15, 2024. The award will be announced in January 2025. If you would like an application, please email NFNRA at info@nfnra.org to request one, or visit the website.
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 By Jolena Haskie, Zuni FDPIR Outreach and Nutrition Specialist
Zuni's FDPIR Program is located in the Blackrock area about 2.5 miles east of the main Zuni village. We serve approximately 179 Certified Households that receive nutrition assistance from our Program. We have six staff on board: Beatrice Panteah (Program Manager), Malanie Seowtewa (Eligibility Technician), Alexander Dewa (Inventory Technician), Jason Lalio, Jr. (Warehouse Worker), LittleHawk Zephier (Warehouse Worker), and myself, Jolena Haskie (Outreach/Nutrition Specialist).
I’ve been with this program for 15 years, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Zuni FDPIR was part of the Zuni Health and Wellness Coalition, who’s mission is to:
- Bring about a collective awareness and understanding about the Zuni Initiatives and programs geared towards prevention and wellness.
- Partner together and collaborate to further improve the health status with our efforts in the promotion of wellness and prevention.
- Create a synergy amongst programs and services here in our Zuni community.
The first Cultural Summit was held to educate interested community members about Zuni History, consisting of traditional food, native plants for food and medicinal purposes, games on Zuni language, and physical activities such as foot races. This Summit is meant to sustain our culture, and includes teachings from elders that are passed on to the younger generation. Zuni FDPIR attends the schools' Indigenous Day activities when invited to provide food demonstrations of blue cornmeal recipes as requested by the bilingual educators.
 Zuni FDPIR, as part of the food systems pillar, has initiated partnerships to increase awareness of the importance of choosing healthy foods to help improve the health of children and their families. The overall health outreach within the community was intended to increase nutrition education with cooking demonstrations using American and Traditional recipes and improve access to healthy foods by working toward community gardens. Growing food, how it is cooked, how food is perceived, how the food system can support health, and the benefits of a plant-based diet are all in alignment with our Zuni Winter Solstice. Food is sacred, and we honor it in many ways through our traditional ceremonial events.
 The Zuni FDPIR team continues to work hard to provide nutrition assistance and education and to promote and support the Health and Wellness of our Zuni community. Enhancing quality of life is our mission. Elahkwa – Thank You!
FDPIR program directors and staff, NAFDPIR board members, USDA Food and Nutrition Service staff, and Tribal partners and organizations convened at the Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Auburn, Washington, to connect on all things FDPIR. Conference sessions covered topics including program and policy updates, nutrition education, and operational support for FDPIR programs. The conference ended with a USDA-FNS Tribal Leader Consultation. Attendees also enjoyed trainings on how to use forklift and social media. A Nutrition Education Exhibits Gallery was held in the event foyer, where programs proudly displayed their nutrition education activities and resources, such as calendars, handouts, recipes, photos of food distribution-led gardens and cooking demonstrations, and creative incentive ideas. The foyer made an excellent interactive space for sharing stories and grabbing the occasional snack to keep energy levels up! We look forward to participating in next year’s conference!
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