Empowering Gen Z Native Americans: How Newman’s Own and Novo Nordisk Are Battling Tribal Food Insecurity

Young Native Americans are stepping up to tackle food insecurity in their communities, with the help of a $720,000 fund from Newman’s Own Foundation and Novo Nordisk. This initiative focuses on self-determination and community involvement, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous voices in addressing local issues.

Recently, 21 young leaders from various tribes took charge of selecting grant winners, a move that reflects a growing trend in philanthropy where communities have more say in where funds go. Savannah Baber, a program manager at Native Americans in Philanthropy, points out the necessity for funders to listen to Indigenous youth to effectively direct resources.

The success of the Indigenous Tomorrows Fund has led to plans for next year’s allocation to reach $1 million, although half of that amount is still needed. This initiative is part of a broader shift towards “trust-based philanthropy,” where funders grant more autonomy to communities. Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, emphasizes that relying solely on external consultants often results in missed opportunities to address real community needs.

Food insecurity is particularly pressing in Indigenous nations, a consequence of historical displacement and loss of traditional food practices. Recent USDA data indicates that American Indian and Alaska Native households experience food insecurity at twice the rate of white households. Many projects funded through this initiative involve culturally significant practices, such as growing traditional crops like Apache giant squash.

Notably, less than 0.5% of major U.S. foundation funding goes to Native American organizations, based on a 2019 report from Candid and Native Americans in Philanthropy. Efforts like this fund aim to change that narrative. The grant recipients are finding creative solutions to food access issues, from kelp farming on Long Island to community centers in Arizona focused on youth education and land management.

Participants in the fund emphasize that their backgrounds in Indigenous communities equip them with insight that many traditional funders lack. They are inspired to reclaim ancestral knowledge and practices to foster sustainability and health in their communities.

Jackie Blackbird from Newman’s Own Foundation highlights how these projects not only address immediate needs but also promote cultural healing. With over 400 proposals submitted, the enthusiasm among Indigenous youth to preserve their culture while tackling modern challenges is both encouraging and revealing of their commitment to future generations.

This initiative shows the power of community-driven solutions and the necessity of funding models that respect and incorporate local voices. As more organizations recognize the importance of Indigenous leadership, there is hope for a more equitable and inclusive approach to philanthropy.

For more information on Indigenous philanthropy, explore the ongoing coverage at AP News.

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