Improving Wabanaki Health by Expanding Traditional Food Access in Maine
Official title: Improving Health Outcomes Through Investigations of Wabanaki Food Systems in Maine
Funded at Wabanaki Health and Wellness · NIH-11578585 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A community project aims to expand a mobile pantry that brings fresh, traditional Wabanaki foods to Tribal communities to improve health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wabanaki Health and Wellness NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bangor, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | September 20, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $500,000 |
| NIH project number | 3OT2OD035832-01S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11578585 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are Wabanaki Tribal members and community members who benefit from increased access to traditional, fresh foods.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not currently facing barriers to traditional food access or those not residing near pantry locations may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on Wabanaki food sovereignty and health by upscaling the Wabanaki Mobile Food Pantry to provide traditional and locally sourced foods. It engages with Tribal communities to understand needs, barriers, and preferences around food access. The effort includes culturally relevant education on cultivation, preparation, and preservation of traditional foods and seeks to foster a sustainable, community-driven food system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could improve nutrition and health outcomes while strengthening cultural connections and food sovereignty.
How similar studies have gone: Prior programs show that improved access to traditional and fresh foods can positively impact health and cultural connectedness in Indigenous communities.
Where this research is happening
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Wabanaki Health and Wellness
Bangor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neptune, Leigh — Wabanaki Health and Wellness
- Study coordinator: Neptune, Leigh
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.