Native American Food Crisis: Senators Urge USDA Action Amid Shortages

Senators Demand Action as Tribal Nations Face Food Crisis

A bipartisan group of senators is calling for immediate action from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Thomas Vilsak in response to severe food shortages affecting Native American communities. Tribal nations have reported unfulfilled food orders and deliveries of expired food, following the USDA’s decision to consolidate its Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations from two contractors to one.

In a letter to Secretary Vilsak, the senators expressed deep concern over “extreme disruptions” in food deliveries, which have affected Native American families for more than four months. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon highlighted the struggle of five tribal nations in his state, emphasizing the urgent need for swift action to address the crisis.

The letter was signed by Republican senators John Hoeven, Kevin Cramer, and Markwayne Mullin, as well as Democratic senators Martin Heinrich, Ron Wyden, and Tina Smith. The food shortages are estimated to impact over 50,000 Native American families across the country.

Mary Greene-Trottier, director of food distribution for Spirit Lake Nation, described the situation as dire. Spirit Lake Nation officials reported receiving partial and missing orders, raising skepticism about the remaining contractor, Paris Brothers Inc.

In response to the crisis, the USDA has committed to providing weekly updates and scheduling consultations with tribal leaders. The department stated that the consolidation decision was based on a competitive bidding process. USDA staff are now assisting with customer service and logistics, and the department has partnered with FEMA to help address logistical challenges.

Additional measures include a review of the procurement process and assistance to tribes through other federal programs. The USDA has also offered $11 million to tribal nations to address food shortages. However, Greene-Trottier expressed doubt about the sufficiency of this amount, noting that tribes are not eligible for reimbursement of additional costs incurred during the crisis.

Further complicating matters, Spirit Lake Nation’s offer to pick up food orders was denied by the USDA, and missing orders from July are set to be canceled and left unfulfilled. Tribal leaders, including Vice Chair ReNa Lohnes, have expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises and uncertainty about receiving the promised $11 million and future food supplies.

As the situation continues to unfold, the senators’ demand for immediate action highlights the urgent need for a resolution to this ongoing food crisis affecting Native American communities across the United States.