Self-determination had been a central goal of the Black Panther Party (BPP) from 1965 to 1975. When gaps existed, the BPP developed survival programs (free breakfast for school aged children and later food giveaways) that addressed the need for a nutritious diet for lower caste Americans. The BPP insisted that systematic caste based oppression resulted in an inadequate US food system. The BPP publicized the problem and organized a solution in the form of the survival programs. Their organizing met the needs of the lower caste communities they served.
