USDA official visits Spirit Lake Tribe to discuss food systems and nutrition programs

Patrick A. Penn, who formerly served as acting administrator of the Food and Nutrition Administration, recently visited the Spirit Lake Tribe to discuss tribal food systems, nutrition programs and government-to-government collaboration, according to a Facebook post from the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program. During the visit, Penn, who currently serves in the USDA’s Office of Tribal Relations, met with tribal leadership and toured Tate Topa Tribal School and the North American Bison processing plant to learn about the tribe's Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations and food sovereignty initiatives.

Discussions focused on tribal sovereignty, self-determination in federal nutrition programs, food supply challenges and improving access to healthy foods for Native families. The meeting    highlighted efforts to expand access to nutritious foods through the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, local food procurement and nutrition education. According to the Spirit Lake Food Distribution Program, the visit also reinforced the U.S. Department of Agriculture's commitment to partnering with tribal nations to strengthen food security, local agriculture and community well-being.