Decolonize our Diets – Meal Kit Project

The White Earth Land Recovery Project (WELRP)‘s Meal Kit Project is a cornerstone initiative aimed at promoting food sovereignty and the decolonization of diets within the White Earth Reservation. Launched in May 2020, this program provides monthly meal kits to approximately 40 families or about 160 residents. Each kit includes ingredients for nutritious meals, often featuring locally grown and indigenous foods. Beyond food, the kits often contain nutritional information, recipes, and cultural or educational items such as children’s books and coloring pages, fostering both health and cultural education. ​

Central to the Meal Kit Project is the decolonization of diets, a process that involves reclaiming traditional foodways and reducing reliance on processed, non-native foods introduced through colonization. By reintroducing ancestral foods like wild rice, hominy corn, and traditional squash into family diets, the program seeks to restore cultural identity and improve health outcomes. This approach addresses the high rates of diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes and obesity, prevalent in many Indigenous communities due to historical disruptions in traditional food systems. ​

The Meal Kit Project also serves as an educational platform, teaching participants about traditional food preparation and the cultural significance of indigenous ingredients. By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of ancestral food practices, the program empowers community members to make informed dietary choices that honor their heritage and promote well-being.​

Through these efforts, WELRP’s Meal Kit Project not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also contributes to the long-term goal of restoring traditional dietary practices and promoting sustainable living within the White Earth Reservation. By empowering community members with the tools and knowledge to prepare healthy meals, the project fosters a sense of self-reliance and cultural preservation.