Study Protocol to Measure the Impact of a “Farm-to-Fork” Program on Food Security and Nutrition Outcomes in the Menominee Nation

Abstract

ObjectivesNative Americans have higher food insecurity and negative health outcomes than non-Native citizens. One way to address this problem are community-based programs targeted to improve nutrition and health outcomes relevant to the needs and priorities of Native Americans. The Menominee Nation (MN) is located on the Menominee Indian Reservation, also referred to as Menominee County, WI. In a 2015 Community Food Assessment (CFA) of the MN, 73% of respondents reported hunger as a concern. Additionally, county health data indicate that Menominee County ranks last in the state for both food security and health outcomes. A recent archeological discovery of MN's ancestral community garden bed sites has renewed interest in food sovereignty, with 65% of CFA respondents reporting an interest in growing their food if assistance was available. We present a study protocol of “farm-to-fork” programming developed to address these expressed needs for greater food sovereignty among MN Tribal Members. Further, we present a protocol to use primary and secondary data pre- and post- to assess outcomes. Our hypothesis is that community-centered nutrition programming and support will increase production, self-efficacy, and consumption of nutrient-dense foods by the MN.MethodsA new extension aquaponics facility is being developed to raise fish and culturally relevant produce desired by MN. Over the next four years, education programming will be offered through field days and Native Chef demonstrations at the Farmer's Market, as well as workforce training and start-up funds for new aquaponic producers. Pre- and post-surveys measuring self-efficacy, food sovereignty, and nutrient intake are combined with county health data to make comparisons before and after implementation of programming.ResultsExpected Results We expect an increase in production, self-efficacy, and consumption of nutrient-dense foods by Menominee Tribal Members, leading to an increase in food sovereignty of the MN.ConclusionsWe believe this project serves as a model for creating sustainable and effective nutrition/health partnerships with historically disadvantaged and excluded populations.Funding SourcesThis work is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.