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Fall 2026
FDPIR nutrition education, trainings and resources support U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins' commitment to strengthening strategies that encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families. USDA Foods support American farmers and provide safe, high quality, 100% American grown, real food, to Tribal communities.
FDPIR Nutrition Education Updates
USDA Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA) is excited to announce two nutrition education opportunities for FDPIR program operators beginning in fiscal year (FY) 2027:
- Community Nutrition Champion Training (CNCT) 2.0
- ConnectEd Nutrition Education Toolkit
Learn more about these training opportunities below!
Community Nutrition Champion Training (CNCT) 2.0
Since 2021, the Oklahoma Tribal Engagement Partners (OKTEP) have offered CNCT, a multi-component training initiative aimed at empowering FDPIR staff to be nutrition paraprofessionals in their communities. CNCT is a two-day, interactive in-person training that teaches non-nutrition professionals basic nutrition information about USDA Foods through written coursework, storytelling, cooking demonstrations, and facilitated discussion. To date, CNCT has been held at 18 locations across the nation. More than 170 FDPIR staff representing 75 ITOs have graduated from CNCT.
As a result of overwhelming positive feedback from CNCT graduates and requests for advanced training to build on previous knowledge gained through CNCT, OKTEP developed CNCT 2.0.
CNCT 2.0 is an immersive three-day in-person training where attendees will build on previous knowledge gained through the original CNCT. It will provide nutrition champions with additional skills, practice, and tips for implementing FDPIR nutrition education in their communities and includes immersive program tours and events to showcase local engagement and outreach opportunities to build community partnerships and program sustainability.
FNA would like to thank Oneida Nation for hosting the CNCT 2.0 pilot in July 2026! According to the survey conducted among the pilot training attendees, one hundred percent stated they would recommend this training to others and 92 percent indicated they could apply quite a lot of information learned at the training to their work.
Learn more about FY 2027 CNCT and CNCT 2.0 training dates.
 CNCT 2.0 participants at Oneida Nation.
ConnectED Nutrition Education Toolkit
FNA released the FDPIR Innovative Nutrition Education Request for Applications (RFA) to partner with an organization or agency with expertise in working with Tribal communities who could develop, design, and implement an innovative nutrition education project for participants and program staff of FDPIR.
OKTEP was awarded this cooperative agreement and will plan, develop, design, promote, implement, and evaluate an innovative, culturally adaptable, and multi-component nutrition education toolkit for FDPIR program operators and staff.
ConnectEd Nutrition (CN) Toolkit: Honoring Traditions, Nourishing Generations, will empower FDPIR program operators and staff to provide culturally relevant nutrition education in their communities. The toolkit will include adaptable nutrition education lesson plans, cooking demonstration scripts, monthly learning collaboratives, customizable cooking demonstration videos, educational videos for FDPIR common areas, point-of-decision signage, social media campaigns, quarterly newsletters for FDPIR participants, customizable monthly calendars, and community of practice webinars.
The nutrition education toolkit will be created based on input from FDPIR staff, participants, and other key partners. More information about how key partners can influence the type of nutrition education resources in the toolkit and the timeline for development will be shared soon.
We hope these upcoming nutrition education activities spark excitement and inspiration throughout FDPIR.
FDPIR administrative funds for nutrition education can be used to participate in or implement these activities. Contact your FNA state contact if you have any questions.
FDPIR Foods Available List for Fiscal Year 2027
The FDPIR Foods Available List (FAL) was updated in August 2026 and includes all foods USDA strives to purchase for the food package. FDPIR program operators can choose from a variety of healthy food options that best serve their communities and encourage healthy choices, healthy outcomes, and healthy families. All USDA Foods on the FDPIR FAL are subject to change based on market availability.
In addition to the items listed in the FAL, FDPIR participants can also receive a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and shell eggs through the USDA DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Product availability varies across regions and seasons; the FFAVORS catalog is the best place to determine what products are currently available.
Tips for using seasonal produce at home:
- Add seasonal fresh vegetables to soups, stews, casseroles, sandwiches, or stir fries.
- Use seasonal fresh fruits as a quick snack, as a topping for oatmeal or other cereals, or add it to desserts.
- Freeze fresh seasonal produce like berries, peppers, and greens to extend their shelf-life and reduce waste.
- Use fresh produce when it is in season because it will have the best flavor, making it the perfect time to experiment with new recipes.
Discover FDPIR Nutrition Education Resources
Are you looking for practical, engaging ways to support healthy eating in your FDPIR community? The USDA Foods Nutrition Education Resource Library provides a variety of materials designed to help program participants make nutritious choices.
What’s in the Resource Library?
The library features an array of resources, including posters, recipe cards, magnets, shelf-talkers, stickers, and more. These materials are tailored to meet the needs of Tribal communities and are available free of charge to FDPIR program operators. Whether you’re planning an event or simply want to encourage healthy habits at home, you’ll find tools that make nutrition education accessible and fun.
Spotlight: Fresh Fall Produce Recipe Card
The newest resource available is the Fresh Fall Produce recipe card. This recipe card highlights seasonal favorites like apples, squash, and leafy greens. It offers practical tips for using and storing these foods, explains their health benefits, and includes a delicious recipe for a Fall Harvest Power Salad.
How to Access and Order Resources
Download the Fresh Fall Produce recipe card from the FNA website. It will also be available to order from the USDA Foods Nutrition Education Resource Library very soon.
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