The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) seeks feedback from Indian Country on the Child Nutrition Tribal Pilot Projects
Following on the heels of other successful pilot projects giving Tribes’ increased local control, the pilot will allow Tribal operations to administer one or more child nutrition programs. In this pilot, Tribes and partners will have the same authority as state agencies to run the:
- National School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast Program
- Child & Adult Care Food Program, and/or
- Summer Food Service Program
Pilot
The pilot is enacted through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024. The legislation appropriated $2 M for up to 10 Tribal pilot projects over the course of two years. Further, it gives wide leeway on what organizations can partner on their use. They include:
- an Indian Tribe, as defined by section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Assistance Act
- a Tribal organization approved by an Indian Tribe
- a Tribal educational agency
- a consortium of Indian Tribes
- a partnership between an Indian Tribe and either:
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- a state educational agency
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- a local educational agency
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- a Tribal educational agency
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- the Bureau of Indian Education
If a Tribe takes on the administration of these programs, statute requires that they must be administered at either:
- a Bureau of Indian Education-funded school
- a school on or near a Tribal reservation
- an early childhood education or care center
USDA seeks to incorporate the unique needs of Tribal communities in the pilots’ design. The Department is hoping to build on success in other programs – like the FDPIR 638 Pilot Project – to enhance the effectiveness and cultural relevance of child nutrition services for those in Tribal reservations.
Comment period
The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative has developed a comment template letter. This comment template may be used to respond to these questions and raise other issues to help USDA shape this pilot.
How to get involved
USDA hosted a webinar to gather valuable feedback from Tribal partners on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025 from 3-3:45 pm eastern.
This session was a crucial opportunity for Tribal representatives to share their insights, concerns, and suggestions regarding the pilot project, but there are other ways to get involved. Tribal members on-the-ground knowledge can help USDA tailor the pilot to meet the priorities of Tribes nationwide who participate.
For those who couldn’t attend the Jan. 22 webinar, written comments can be submitted as well. Input from those who live, work and administer federal nutrition programs at the Tribal level can shape the pilot’s design. Whether you have questions, comments, or ideas, your feedback will play a pivotal role in the development and success of this initiative.
Written comments must be received on or before March 24, 2025, through one of the following methods:
- Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
- Send written comments to the Child Nutrition Programs, USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Braddock Metro Center II, 1320 Braddock Place, Alexandria, VA 22314.
All comments submitted in response to this RFI will be included in the record and will be made available to the public.
For more information, please reach out to agpolicy@uark.edu.