The leech lake band of ojibwe farm to consumer food initiative will purchase culturally appropriate food from regional farmers, with a focus on those operated by indigenous people and nearby tribal…

The leech lake band of ojibwe farm to consumer food initiative will purchase culturally appropriate food from regional farmers, with a focus on those operated by indigenous people and nearby tribal nations over a two-year period. The purpose of this agreement is to purchase and distribute local food targeting purchases from socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers. Leech lake band of ojibwe plans to enter purchasing agreements with at least five producers, three of which would be operated by native americans. The chosen producers will be encouraged to partner with the tribe in developing a local farming curriculum. Distribution will occur through the leech lake band of ojibwe elderly nutrition program, community centers, and establishment of a food backpack program at area schools. Leech lake band of ojibwe is in the beginning stages of creating a local native food system. The continued introduction of direct farm to market food into the community will help gain interest in developing a local system. Producers will benefit by giving farmers a new market for their products, while also gaining a better understanding of native american food culture. Quarterly performance reports will be submitted to capture the number of producers, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, distribution sites, and underserved locations as well as funds expended for each category. Annual reports will provide percentages of new marketing opportunities and purchases distributed beyond current food distribution networks. The food will be used to provide food to low-income tribal members in areas identified as a food desert or those known to be chronically nutritionally insecure. The recipient does not intend to subaward funds. In fiscal year 2024, agreement was amended with local food purchase assistance plus funding to increase the budget with funds authorized by the commodity credit corporation, and to increase the duration of the period of performance. As a result of the additional funding and extended period of performance, the recipient intends to purchase over 700,000 in food purchases.