Purchase and distribute local food targeting purchases from socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers

This program strives to secure sustainable food resources that are culturally appropriate and accessible to all tribal members. The department proposes to enhance its current efforts by dramatically increasing the amount of traditional protein distributed in the community. The shinnecock indian nation is requesting these funds to increase the number of tribal members who are consuming traditional sources of protein. Wild game will be purchased and distributed throughout the community, following the seasonal cycle, and targeting a minimum of 100 households. All food will be locally sourced and culturally appropriate, wild foods available on the territory. There will be contracts in place to document the relationship between the project and the food suppliers. 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 purchase wild game, waterfowl, shellfish, finfish, and crustaceans from tribal members who routinely participate in these cultural lifeways. The recipients, 100 households of this program will be the tribal members who may no longer hunt themselves or may have never learned to. The ultimate benefit is continuing the connection between tribal members and culturally appropriate food. The recipient plans to subaward funds to shinnecock hunters & gathers.