Senators urge USDA to improve food distribution to Native American tribes

A bipartisan coalition of U.S. senators is urging immediate intervention from USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack regarding significant delays and issues in a federal food distribution program critical to tribal nations. Reports indicate that several tribes have faced months of unfulfilled orders, with some receiving expired food products. Senators, including Democrats and Republicans from various states, emphasized that there can be no further excuses for these failures, which affect over 50,000 Native American families. Mary Greene-Trottier, who oversees food distribution for the Spirit Lake Nation, highlighted the dire situation, likening it to empty grocery store shelves during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Tribal officials have expressed doubts about the capacity of the remaining contractor, Paris Brothers Inc., to manage the food supply effectively after a recent consolidation of services. The USDA stated that this decision followed a competitive bidding process, with Paris Brothers being the sole contractor deemed capable of meeting the needs. In response to the challenges, the USDA has pledged support to help the contractor scale operations, including providing staff assistance and collaborating with FEMA on logistics. The agency has also offered $11 million to tribal nations to alleviate food shortages while Paris Brothers works to catch up. However, some tribes, including the Spirit Lake Nation, have reported receiving only partial orders, and requests to pick up food directly have been denied. Vice Chair ReNa Lohnes of the Spirit Lake Nation expressed frustration over the lack of timely assistance, stating that the tribe has yet to receive its share of the $11 million, leaving them uncertain about future food security.