Tribal Elder Food Box Program Faces Uncertain Future as Funding Runs Low
Wisconsin, USA – Initially launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tribal Elder Food Box Program has become a critical resource for Native American elders in Wisconsin, providing culturally relevant and nutritious food. With federal funding dwindling, the program’s sustainability and the wellbeing of those it serves are now in jeopardy.
Oneida councilman Marlon Skenandore championed the initiative, highlighting its broad impact: “Our first distribution in 2021 saw 400 boxes delivered in just an hour and a half.” The program has since expanded to encompass nearly every Indigenous tribe in Wisconsin, engaging up to 50 local Indigenous producers.
However, the recent discontinuation of the USDA’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) funding has disrupted crucial supply chains and increased operational costs. Tara Roberts-Turner from the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative noted, “Now we’re left bringing an empty truck all the way back,” underscoring the logistical challenges ahead.
Elders like Kathy Hughes reflect the program’s significance for healthier eating. As funding from the state government is vital for the program’s continuation, stakeholders are advocating for a budget allocation of $2 million for 2026. The program not only supplies food but fosters connections to culture, underscoring the importance of supporting Indigenous communities.
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