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Building a Healthy Community Together, Bismarck

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Community members discussing information on federal and local nutrition programs, healthy  eating, and relevant community activities.

On May 31, 2023, USDA partnered with United Tribes Technical College in Bismarck, North Dakota to hold a community engagement event focused on food, nutrition, and diet-related health disparities in Native American communities. The event was attended by more than 100 community members who surfaced numerous issues that need addressed to help ensure food and nutrition security for all, as well as opportunities that can be leveraged to help accelerate progress towards these goals. Provided below are a summary report and Stories for Better Health, which are short video segments where community members share their lived experiences around food, nutrition, and health. Also included are images from the event and links for organizations that participated in a “Share Fair”, which provided information on Federal and local nutrition programs, healthy eating, and relevant community activities.

Summary Report

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ASCEND for Better Health Community Engagement in Bismarck, North Dakota

This report summarizes community member perspectives on food and nutrition-related challenges and opportunities in Native American communities, particularly in the Great Plains area. We encourage the usage of this information in future reports, grant proposals, and other efforts that aim to improve the health and well-being of communities, particularly for Native Americans.

Stories for Better Health

Anita

Larus

Images from the Event

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 Dr. Leander R. McDonald, President of United Tribes Technical College (UTTC), Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics and USDA Chief Scientist, and  Chairman Jamie Azure, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and Chairman of the Board for UTTC,  standing together and smiling.
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Community members discussing information on federal and local nutrition programs, healthy  eating, and relevant community activities.
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Meeting participants discussing information on federal and local nutrition programs, healthy  eating, and relevant community activities.

View the entire photo album

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Community members standing during the traditional songs and prayers before the community  engagement event.
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A community member providing feedback on food, nutrition, and health.
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Health workers sharing information about food, nutrition, and health with community  members.