Hundreds of low-income Native families who depend on the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations are enduring delays and other system management problems. The heads of the agency that oversees the program are having to answer tough questions from lawmakers. In an unrelated dispute, those same lawmakers are squabbling over costs of a tribally run food distribution pilot program. It’s one of the reasons they can’t come to agreement on the current Farm Bill that has major implications for Indian Country. Also, adding an Indigenous ingredient to an ice cream recipe is a good way to experience a sweet and cold side of traditional flavor. That’s what First Nations chef Zach Keeshig did with sweet grass. That’s all on The Menu on Native America Calling, our special feature on Indigenous food hosted by Andi Murphy.
To join the discussion, call 1-800-996-2848
GUESTS
Abi Fain (enrolled with Choctaw Nation), chief legal and policy officer for the Intertribal Agriculture Council, a co-founder of the Native Farm Bill Coalition
Carly Griffith Hotvedt (Cherokee), interim executive director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative
Zach Keeshig (Anishinaabe from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation), chef and owner of Naagan