Putting Tribal Sovereignty in Food SovereigntyIFAI’s policy and research team monitors the Federal Register for updates, notices, information, events, and more that are important or could impact Indian Country. The listings are broken down into three categories:
-
Announcements
-
Rule/Policy Updates
-
Nominations
Announcements
These are Federal Register notices about upcoming Tribal Consultations, listening sessions, public meetings, and funding opportunities as well as policy updates.
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer for Children Program; 2025 Benefits Levels
Agency: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Action: Notice
Why it matters: USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) announces annual adjustments to monthly benefits in the Summer EBT Program. For the 48 States, District of Columbia and Indian Tribal Organizations, the adjustment is based on the monthly Thrifty Food Plan cost for a reference family of four. There is no change in 2025 monthly level benefits for the 48 States, District of Columbia, Indian Tribal Organizations at $40 per month and a total of $120 over the summer months. These benefit levels are in effect Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2025.
Rule/Policy Updates
These are Federal Register notices about rules, regulations, and policy updates that have potential impacts to Tribal food and agriculture and provide opportunities for public comments or feedback.
Ultra-Processed Foods; Request for Information
Agency: USDA and FDA
Action: Comments must be received by September 23, 2025
Why it matters:
The US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration are seeking public input on developing a uniform definition of ultra-processed foods (UPF or UPFs) for human food products in the U.S. The objective is consistency in research and policy work that addresses health concerns regarding UPF consumption. Confidential submissions will also be accepted.
Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments
Agency: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
Actions: Comments must be received by October 20, 2025
Why it matters:
USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is seeking comments on a proposed rule that amends current meat inspection regulations related to swine carcasses. FSIS is proposing to end mandatory “mandibular lymph nodes incision and viscera palpation of swine carcasses in all swine slaughter establishments.” It is expected that removing this post-mortem inspection requirement may improve food safety by lessening opportunities for contamination.
Information Collection Activities: WIC and SFMNP – Reporting and Recordkeeping Burden
Agency: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Action: Comments must be received by October 7, 2025
Why it matters:
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is seeking comments from the public who want to provide feedback on a proposed information collection regarding SFMNP and WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP). The proposed information collection revises the current collections for SFMNP and WIC-FMNP’s reporting and recordkeeping burdens and a consolidation of the two programs’ reporting and recordkeeping burdens.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Special Milk Program for Children
Agency: USDA Food and Nutrition Service
Action: Comments must be received by September 5, 2025
Why it matters:
USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service is seeking comments from the public about proposed information collection regarding the Special Milk Program for Children. The Child Nutrition Act (CNA) authorizes the appropriation of sums necessary for the Secretary of Agriculture to encourage the consumption of fluid among children in the U.S. This revision shows a decrease in reporting and recordkeeping burden as well as estimated burden hours due to a reduction of SMP participation.
Nominations
Including Native voices and perspectives to inform federal agencies through committees and boards is critical to addressing the unique needs of Indian Country. Check out this curated list of current opportunities, and please reach out with any questions: agpolicy@uark.edu.