Increased Food Flexibility and Traditional Sourcing for Tribal Nutrition Programs.
This Act increases flexibility within the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), allowing Tribes to better tailor food assistance to their cultural needs. It simplifies the sourcing of traditional foods, including across international borders, and grants Tribes greater authority to request waivers from federal regulations governing the program. These changes aim to improve food security and cultural relevance in nutrition assistance.
Key points
During disasters or supply chain disruptions, the requirement that food must be exclusively US products can be temporarily waived to ensure continuous supply.
Traditional foods sourced from related Tribal bands across international borders are now considered US products, supporting cultural sourcing practices.
Indian Tribes gain the ability to request waivers from federal program regulations, increasing local control and administrative flexibility.
New provisions support funding for purchasing local, traditional herbs and spices for use in culturally appropriate nutrition education programs.
Expired
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