While foodways refers to cooking and eating practices, food sovereignty, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, is described as communities’ ability to “determine the quantity and quality of the food that they consume by controlling how their food is produced and distributed” (“Why Food Sovereignty Matters”). The U.S. Food Sovereignty Alliance has a similar definition where food sovereignty refers to the people’s right to culturally appropriate and healthy foods and to determine their own food and agriculture systems (“Food Sovereignty”). The USFSA also states how food sovereignty goes beyond and allows for people to build relationships with the land that provides them with food resources, as well as the people who provide or eat the …show more content…
Additionally, it is also a reason why they buy foods that are cheap with longer shelf life instead of routinely buying fresh foods with more nutritional value (“How Hunger Affects”). Another reason for stocking up is that the drive to a grocery store is far, and many do not have access to a vehicle to get there (Maillacheruvu 5, 16). Accordingly, not having access to food due to it not being accessible, or delivered rations being late or damaged, caused a new food habit within Native American communities: overeating. Using strategies such as community voices, empowerment of traditional foodways, and the reduction of food insecurity, Native identity empowerment through food are viable in practicing solutions for this problem. Leading to the individuals to more likely practice healthier, traditional fares and food habits as they will recover their cultural identity. Additionally, you can also bring more awareness to those who are part of the non-Indigenous communities around reservations so that they can also live a quality life both in physical health and in