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

As the federally recognized tribal organization for the unangax̂ people, aleutian pribilof islands association seeks to combat food insecurity and reinforce local food systems amidst supply-chain challenges and climate change. Apia plans to distribute lfpa subawards, starting with $25,000 per year for two years to communities like ST. George and sand point, enabling them to procure local foods tailored to their needs. Apia will oversee accountability and reporting to ensure transparent fund utilization. Anticipated outcomes include increased access to fresh and traditional foods, strengthened partnerships between local producers and tribal communities, improved food security, and enhanced supply chain resilience. The project targets unangax̂ communities grappling with persistent food scarcity, supporting local producers and aligning with USDA goals of fostering economic opportunities and expanding local food systems. We will collaborate with our partnering communities to purchase local food, including traditional foods and fresh vegetables. By supporting the availability of local and traditional foods, we aim to enhance food sovereignty in our region. 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. Our intended beneficiaries are both the producers, including socially disadvantaged farmers, and the recipients in our communities. We anticipate that 5 to 7 local producers may be engaged, and about 500 unangax̂ community members will benefit from this program. The recipient plans to subaward funds to the smaller tribal communities that make up aleutian pribilof islands association.