The development of the University of Connecticut (UConn) Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) was a response to the need to enhance food security and sovereignty within the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN), while also reducing rates of obesity and Type II diabetes as the Tribal community faced food insecurity, alongside alarming rates of health disparities compared to their white counterparts. The program aimed to bolster agricultural capacity on Tribal lands, provide workforce development for Tribal members, and deliver health and nutrition education. Through extensive consultations with Tribal leaders and members, UConn FRTEP tailored programs in agriculture, workforce development, youth engagement, and health education. Since the initiation of the program in 2017 to 2023, Extension educators provided comprehensive training on vegetable and fruit production, integrated pest management, and business planning. Additionally, nutrition workshops, fitness classes, and virtual cooking sessions were conducted, fostering community engagement. Tribal youths engaged in educational activities and field trips designed to enhance agricultural literacy and healthy eating behaviors. To ensure sustainability, youths also participated in “train the trainer” opportunities. Project evaluations included resource inventories, focus groups, and pre/post-program surveys to measure immediate outcomes as well as broader impacts and community perceptions. The establishment of a farm that included hydroponic greenhouses, shipping-container farming, in addition to growing an array of vegetables and fruits on 5 acres by 2023 improved food security and sovereignty within MPTN. The farm produced tomatoes, lettuce, summer squash, winter squash, cucumbers, watermelon, chard, broccoli, potatoes, beans, herbs, and strawberries, supporting food distribution programs reaching 15% (180 members) of the Tribal population in 2022 and 2023. Additionally, in the same period, 30 diabetic patients received prescribed fresh produce from the farm. After completing nutritional education lessons (seven 1-hour long) in 2022, survey results indicated notable improvements among youth participants (n = 17): 60% showed enhanced ability in identifying active children, 50% improved recognition of fruits and dairy foods, and 44% exhibited better proficiency in identifying healthy snacks. Overall, the health of the tribal members improved through the consumption of fresh nutritious food, an increase in the number of tribal members practicing healthy eating habits, and exercise learned through training. The success of the project led to the creation of the MPTN Department of Agriculture. UConn FRTEP significantly strengthened university-tribal relations, exemplifying fruitful collaboration, boosting food security, economics, and health. This model partnership promotes sustainable development, empowering Indigenous communities, fostering resilience, and self-reliance.
