The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission is excited to continue partnership with the USDA and welcomes the LFPA Plus funding for the ongoing pilot program by the four Columbia River Treaty Tribes. This initiative aims to establish a structured food delivery system, providing healthier options directly to underserved tribal communities along the Columbia River and reservations. The project plays a vital role in re-establishing trade routes and communication systems for the tribes, contributing to their food sovereignty efforts and promoting traditional diets.
Collaborating with the local fish processing vendors, indigenous meat producers, and a tribally owned farm, the program delivers comprehensive food boxes with fresh vegetables, fruits, and protein. The additional funding specifically supports purchasing more traditional protein sources from Columbia River tribal fishers, benefiting socially disadvantaged producers. These 2 models are designed to be a template for other tribal organizations, adapting to demand and opportunities.
Under the LFPA-ARPA Funding, a significant amount of this award is being pass through to the tribes and the tribes are subawardees on this grant as well. We are subcontracting with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, The Nez Perce Tribe, and The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon. 60% of the total award is going directly to the subawards and of the remaining 40%, nearly half of that is still going toward purchasing directly from the four tribal Columbia River Treaty tribes.
With the LFPA Plus CCC Funding 100% of the total funding will go towards purchasing directly from CRITFC treaty tribal members through subcontracts.