Pascua Yaqui Tribe LFPA Plus Executive Summary

The LFPA Plus will support an expansion of PYT’s Food Programs through three departments: The Tribe’s Department of Senior Services Liogue Senior Center, the Department of Social Services’ program, Tu’I Bwa’ame Food Pantry, and the Education Department’s Ili Uusim Mahtawa’apo Head Start. Monthly, the number of meals for seniors provided through food boxes and onsite congregant dining will increase from 1,200 to 1,400. The number of food boxes distributed at the Food Pantry will increase by 45% (440 boxes), and Head Start will increase by 49% (568 boxes). Through these programs, the Tribe will be able to expand distribution to more individuals and families and increase outreach to ensure that the maximum number of members participate and purchase fresh food products and produce from local farmers from socially and historically disadvantaged populations. 

The deliverables and expected outcomes will increase the number of food boxes by 100 and the number of individuals receiving monthly services by 200. LFPA Plus will provide resources for PYT to extend the program operations from two to three years, providing nutritional food consumption to low-income tribal members and underserved tribal communities. Through this USDA opportunity, PYT’s Social, Elder, and Head Start services will be able to strengthen families, protect and promote healthy food habits for children, and provide nutritional food for consumption that aligns with the cultural heritage and traditions of the tribe.