Tribes will have the opportunity to participate in important discussions and listening sessions with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at the National Congress of American Indians' 2020 Executive Council Winter Session this Feb. 10-13. Outlined below are events related to the Farm Bill and nutrition programs in Indian Country. If you're attending the Winter Session, we encourage you to participate in these discussions about Native nutrition.

NCAI 2020 Executive Council Winter Session
Feb. 10-13 in Washington, D.C.
For event details, click here.

Tribal Listening Session: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Feb. 10, 2-3 p.m.
The USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) will be discussing upcoming changes to regulations, policies and procedures that may have an impact on Indian Country. This session will provide background on the changes, answer questions related to such changes and discuss how tribes who would like to provide formal feedback on any of these changes can request a formal consultation. 

Institute of Child Nutrition Discussion
Feb. 12, 1-2 p.m.
The Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) strives to meet the needs of all child nutrition professionals who participate in federal child nutrition programs. However, there are untapped opportunities to address the unique training needs of Native American school nutrition professionals (SNPs). Many lack awareness of ICN’s existence and familiarity with the many resources and services available to aid them in operating and managing school nutrition programs. These factors are further compounded by barriers such as predominately rural locations, access to high-speed internet and language differences. This meeting will be an open discussion, allowing ICN to gain critical insight for meeting the training needs of Native American school nutrition professionals in a culturally appropriate way.

Tribal Consultation: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Feb. 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tribal leaders have been invited to discuss the FDPIR to continue conversations about the priorities and needs of tribal communities that operate the program. Agenda topics include 638 food procurement authority and demonstration projects, technical assistance for tribally-owned food businesses, broadband improvements, and other key issues. View the agenda and consultation details here.