Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack, urging the agency to prioritize tribal input and address key concerns in the implementation of the Child Nutrition Programs Tribal Pilot Projects. This initiative, led in the House by Leger Fernández and included in her Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act of 2023 (H.R. 1589), was incorporated into the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. The same bill was led in the Senate by Senator Henrich (NM).

The two-year pilot program, facilitated through the USDA, will fund 10 Tribal entities to administer nutrition programs such as the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Summer Food Service Program, and Child and Adult Care Food Program. The pilot program seeks to address disparities in food access and nutrition in Indian Country by empowering Tribes to integrate culturally relevant and locally sourced foods.

In her letter, Leger Fernández emphasized the unique challenges faced by tribal communities and called on USDA to take specific actions, stating:

"Tribal communities raised concerns about cumbersome federal grant requirements... The chefs in the kitchen should be able to focus on cooking nutritious foods, not performing multiple jobs. As the pilot program begins, these tribes will need access to better technical assistance and support to build infrastructure, capacity, and knowledge to operate these nutrition programs effectively." 

Tribal and nutrition stakeholders were instrumental in the initial development of this program. The USDA is currently soliciting feedback through a Request for Information (RFI) in the Federal Register, with comments due by March 24, 2025. Leger Fernández encourages tribal and nutrition stakeholders to submit their input to help shape this critical program. 

She also underscored the importance of integrating culturally relevant and locally grown foods, noting: 

"We all know the value of reviving crop cultivation and traditional knowledge of food preparation. Tribes must be able to integrate local, culturally significant foods as they operate child nutrition programs... Foods like bison, venison, cauliflower soup, and lentil soup should be easier to procure." 

The Congresswoman urged USDA to address the sustainability of funding and operational costs, while also supporting tribal communities in incorporating food sovereignty into educational opportunities: 

"Learning about traditional foods can strengthen Indigenous identity and help children reconnect with their land, community, culture, and language. However, the burden of compliance and strict regulations around food production and safety can make it difficult to engage children in these educational experiences." 

Background

The Tribal Nutrition Improvement Act, which was introduced by Congresswoman Leger Fernández, aims to reduce food insecurity and improve access to nutritious, culturally relevant meals in Indian Country. Congress established a two-year pilot program to support tribal administration of child nutrition programs and address long-standing challenges in food access for Native communities.