The only federally-recognized tribe in alabama, the poarch band of creek indians, requests $864,186 for the tribal food security program to expand upon the tribe's successful community garden,…

The only federally-recognized tribe in alabama, the poarch band of creek indians, requests $864,186 for the tribal food security program to expand upon the tribe's successful community garden, farmers' market, and food distribution programs. Grant funds will allow the tribe to continue establishing its own unique, independent food security program for purchasing food to help feed the community. At least twice each month, the tribe will host a community distribution of free fresh and minimally processed food to indian and non-indian people. Foods will be purchased with grant funds under simple grow agreements with socially disadvantaged and other farmers/producers within a 400 mile radius of the tribe's reservation in atmore, AL. 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 goal of this program is to increase access to local food and improve supply chain RE siliency by building partnerships with local and regional producers, socially disadvantaged farmers/producers, and underserved communities. A desired outcome of the local food and purchasing assistance (LFPA) is that these partnerships continue after the program concludes. Intended beneficiaries are: food recipients who will receive free fresh and minimally processed nutritious foods two or more times each month; food producers who will gain income and build their food production capacity; farm supply and farm implement partners; coordinated distribution sites of tribal, county, state, regional and local partnerships; and the tribe as IT continues to strengthen the local food supply chain and build a permanent food security program on the reservation. The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.