Article Food Security and Access to Healthy Foods in Indian Country
Learning from the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Nancy M. Pindus, Carol Hafford

Food access, food security, and nutrition-related health disparities have long been recognized as particular challenges for Native Americans living on tribal land. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides nutrition assistance to tribal communities through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). In 2016, we completed a study of the FDPIR program for USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. We found that FDPIR participants reported significantly higher rates of food insecurity than national averages. While barriers to food access persist in Indian Country, FDPIR and locally-sourced food initiatives help to meet needs. Partnerships at multiple levels support food production and distribution, improve access to healthy foods, and encourage healthy diets.

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Research and Evidence Health Policy Housing and Communities Family and Financial Well-Being Tax and Income Supports Race and Equity
Expertise Families Social Safety Net Health Care Coverage, Access, and Affordability Housing Finance
Tags Poverty Welfare and safety net programs Economic well-being Hunger and food assistance Family and household data Racial and ethnic disparities Social determinants of health Racial barriers to accessing the safety net Racial inequities in health Native populations