Dear Native Farm Bill Coalition Community:

During these difficult and trying times, we want to provide you all with an update on actions by the Native Farm Bill Coalition (NFBC) in response to the COVID-19 emergency and its impact on tribes and tribal producers, and resources from our partners.

The U.S. Congress just passed H.R. 748 - The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, its third bill to respond to emergency COVID-19 actions happening across the country.

The bill included some provisions specific to Indian Country, including:
  • An $8 billion stabilization fund set aside for tribes in response to COVID-19;
  • $100 million for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), featuring:
  • $50 million for food purchases;
  • $50 million for facility improvement and equipment upgrades;
  • $20 million to the Older Americans Act and Tribal Nutrition Program for the delivery of nutrition services to elders.

The CARES Act also provides support for farmers and ranchers through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs and funding, including:
  • $9.5 billion in disaster funding for livestock and dairy, fruit and vegetable growers, and local food producers;
  • $14 billion to bolster the Commodity Credit Corporation, a critical safety net fund;
  • $10 million in loan interruption support for small businesses.

More information on the USDA programs and funding can be found here.

Upcoming webinar
The NFBC will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, April 1, at 3 p.m. ET, to take a deeper dive into the nutrition provisions and mechanisms for implementation. This webinar will also include a tribal government and producer listening session to hear concerns and work toward solutions. Register for the webinar here.

Tribal specific resources on COVID-19