Tribal nations are advocating for the inclusion of permanent funding for programs that support Indigenous food systems within the upcoming Farm Bill. These initiatives aim to bolster local agriculture, preserve cultural heritage, and ensure access to traditional foods for tribal communities.
At Ashawaug Farm in Rhode Island, Dawn and Cassius Spears, who cultivate Narragansett heritage crops like white corn, succotash beans, and crookneck squash, represent a growing number of Indigenous farmers seeking to expand their reach. However, they face challenges, including the recent discontinuation of federal programs that previously supported tribal farmers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden administration launched the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS). These programs provided over $1 billion to states and tribes for purchasing local food from nearby farmers for distribution to food banks and schools. Tribal governments used these funds to acquire culturally significant foods, such as bison meat, berries, and wild rice, for their members, providing a vital link to traditional diets for low-income individuals.
In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture ended the LFPA and LFS programs, citing a misalignment with agency goals. This decision has raised concerns among tribal leaders and farmers who relied on these programs for stable markets and financial support.
U.S. Sens. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) have introduced legislation intended to create a permanent grant program modeled after the discontinued initiatives. The proposed program would enable state and tribal governments to procure local foods from regional producers for distribution to hunger relief organizations and schools. A similar proposal is included in the House version of the Farm Bill, which passed in April. Both legislative proposals include a provision to set aside 10% of the program's funding for tribes.
Advocates emphasize the importance of mandatory, rather than annual, congressional funding for such programs. Consistent funding allows farmers to plan more effectively, invest in supplies, and hire staff, knowing there is a reliable market for their products. Sen. Reed is pushing for mandatory funding in the Senate's version of the Farm Bill, noting the economic pressures facing small and Native American farmers.
Indigenous producers like the Spears also hope for prioritization within these programs and advocate for dedicated avenues to access funding outside of tribal governments. Preserving access to traditional foods and the land from which they are sourced is central to Indigenous culture and well-being, a goal that proponents believe can be significantly advanced through robust federal support within the Farm Bill.