Pandemic and racism have exacerbated food insecurity in Indigenous communities, report says

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TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A recent report found that 48% of Indigenous communities were unable to feed their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, and organizations blamed it on racism associated with the COVID-19 pandemic .

Advocates from the Native American Agriculture Fund, the Food Research & Action Center and the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative say they have invited the public to a virtual discussion about food insecurity during COVID-19.

The report found that 48% of Native Americans and Alaska Natives said that during the pandemic, food purchased for their household did not last long enough and they had no money to get it. more.

The FRAC said the report sheds light on the food security challenges in Indian Country and the tribal solutions needed to address them head on.

The organizations said the data is essential for tracking progress and securing resources to help alleviate the problem, as well as fueling an adequate response to hunger in indigenous communities.

The FRAC said the disparities in food insecurity are due to structural racism within the colonization that has continued until now. He said the pandemic has exacerbated the problem and worsened disparities. The situation would be even worse without federal nutrition programs.

According to the FRAC, allowing tribal governments to administer federal nutrition programs could help reduce food insecurity, improve dietary intake and health, support economic security, and lift Indigenous families out of poverty.

In addition to the vital role that tribal governments play in feeding their communities, the FRAC said the Indian Reservation Food Distribution Program and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program help households that meet income requirements to put food on the table. During the pandemic, FDPIR and SNAP benefits have enhanced participants’ ability to purchase food for their families.

At 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 20, Toni Stanger-McLaughlin, CEO of NAAF, Sandy Martini, Associate CEO of NAAF, Luis Guardia, President of FRAC, Geri Henchy, Director of FRAC, Erin Parker, Director of ECNP and Associate of systems for the FRAC, will team up for the virtual event.

The event can be streamed live HERE.

To read the full report, click here.

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