PWNA Will Distribute Food Boxes to Native Elders Through Support from the Mannette Bock Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation

In many cultures, Elders are looked to as keepers of wisdom and tradition. This is especially true in First Nation communities, where Elders are regarded with high esteem as teachers and role models for future generations. To help support Native Elders and their communities, PWNA partners with senior centers, food banks and other agencies to provide year-round, immediate relief and establish long-term solutions to challenging issues such as food insecurity.

With the rise of COVID-19 and its devastating effects on tribal communities, PWNA is working with its reservation partners to provide as much relief as possible – including support such as emergency food, water and PPE for Native Elders, who are at a higher risk of infection.

PWNA recently received a grant from the Mannette Bock Fund of the Hawai’i Community Foundation (HCF), a steward of more than 950 funds created by donors who desire to transform lives and improve communities. We were selected to receive this special ‘field of interest’ funding to assist impoverished Native American Elders living in under-resourced tribal communities.

In our 30-year history, PWNA has supported Native nutrition for 2 million Native Elders, children and families, through deliveries of food, drinking water, fresh produce and holiday meals in tribal communities that are food deserts. We’ve also supported community-based training on gardening and healthy meal preparation that uplifts reliance on locally available and traditional foods.

The contribution by HCF will enable us to distribute more than 3,500 emergency food boxes to Native Elders across the Southwest and Northern Plains throughout this year. Each box will contain a week’s supply of high-need, nonperishable foods, hygiene and personal care supplies, and other essentials. These emergency food boxes will allow Elders to stay safe at home, which greatly lowers their risk of contracting COVID-19.

Home delivery and distribution of these boxes is made possible thanks to our reservation partners and their volunteers. These partnerships are central to continuing our dedicated efforts to improve the lives of Native Americans. If you’re interested in joining our mission to enrich the lives of Native peoples living on under-resourced reservations, learn more about our programs and donate today.