Discover the Cherokee Nation’s Hawiya Community: Join the New Cultural Outreach Food Distribution Program!

TAHLEQUAH — The Cherokee Nation has launched the Hawiya Food Sovereignty Program, partnering with various Community and Cultural Outreach organizations. These groups will help distribute food packages that include meats from the Cherokee Nation’s 1839 Meat Co. The packages feature items like sausage chubs, pork tenderloin, and ground beef.

Deliveries will occur during the last three business days of each month. These organizations will work closely with Cherokee Nation’s Food Distribution programs to ensure safe handling of the food. It’s important to note that limited quantities are available for eligible families.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized the urgent need to support the health of our citizens,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “Many Native Americans face challenges from unhealthy diets, especially in rural areas where food access is limited. This program strengthens our community efforts to improve nutrition for Cherokees.”

Any household with a Cherokee citizen can benefit from this program, no matter their age, income, or residency status. Preference will be given to those aged 60 and older, as well as fluent Cherokee speakers. Recipients can receive packages each month.

“We’re committed to addressing the barriers our citizens face, including food insecurity,” said Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner. “Better access to nutritious food will help improve health outcomes across our nation.”

However, individuals enrolled in Cherokee Nation’s FDPIR Program or SNAP are typically ineligible, unless they report a hardship. In such cases, eligibility will be determined by the Community and Cultural Outreach organization.

The Cherokee Nation also utilizes a program from the United States Department of Agriculture to help acquire and distribute these food packages. This assistance supports local food purchases, primarily focusing on items produced within the state or nearby regions.

The participating Community and Cultural Outreach organizations include:

• Fairfield Community Organization (Fairfield)
• Longshadows Ranch (Hulbert)
• Muldrow Cherokee Community Organization (Muldrow)
• Vian Community Foundation (Vian)
• NAFI (South Coffeyville)
• No We Ta Cherokee Community Foundation (Nowata)
• Hulbert Cherokee Community Organization (Hulbert)
• Brushy Cherokee Action Association (Sequoyah County)
• Evening Shade Community Resident Organization (Sequoyah County)
• Rocky Ford Community Association (Delaware County)
• Neighborhood Association of Chewey (Adair County)
• Mid County Community Organization (Baron)
• One Fire Association (Kenwood)
• Lyons Switch (Adair County)
• Kansas Cherokee Community Organization (Kansas)
• CC Camp Community Organization (Stilwell)
• Cherokee Cultural Community (Dewey)
• Washington County Cherokee Association (Ochelata)
• Marble City Food Pantry (Marble City)
• Rural Communities Initiative Foundation (Belfonte)
• Peoples Community Organization (Bowlin Springs)

Earlier this month, the Community and Cultural Outreach team selected organizations that operate community buildings within the reservation and have the capacity to join the Hawiya program. Other organizations interested in participating can reach out to determine their eligibility.