COPE Food Access & Food Policy Initiatives with the Navajo Nation

Sonlatsa Jim-Martin examines the strategies used by Community Action and Patient Empowerment (COPE) on Navajo Nation to promote healthy, prosperous, and empowered Native communities, Namely, three collaborative approaches are reviewed: 1) robust, community-based outreach; 2) local capacity building and system-level partnerships; and 3) increasing access to healthy foods. COPE promotes access to healthy foods. They are focused on a range of efforts, including supporting the formation of local and regional Food Policy Councils and Wellness Councils, connecting community members on Diné Food Traditions and Farm-to-School initiatives, and mentoring high school youth on food literacy and communications.

Learning Objectives:

This presentation was developed to portray an example of an organization's policy and program initiatives to address food access and disparities in diet-related diseases in Native American populations. After watching this presentation, learners should be able to:

  • Describe COPE's food access programs and policy initiatives
  • Identify key health statistics for Navajo Nation and other factors that shape food programs and policy initiatives
  • Understand the role sugary drinks play in health on Navajo Nation

Target Audience: Community Health Workers, Food System Workers, Policy Advocates and Policy Makers

Duration: 36 minutes 

Format: web based/self study

Created/updated: 12/1/2017

Author and Presenter: Sonlatsa Jim-Martin


Skill Level: Beginner
Level 1: No
Level 2: No
Level 3: No
Primary Tier: Tier One
Secondary Tier: Tier Two
Primary Domain: Policy Development and Program Planning Skills
Secondary Domain: Health Equity Skills