The Tribal Elder Food Box (TEFB) Program began in 2021. It aims to provide nutritious and culturally significant foods to Tribal members aged 55 and older. Since its launch, the program has delivered over 94,500 boxes. Central to this initiative are principles like community healing, fair food access, and food sovereignty.
One of the participating tribes is the Oneida Nation, located near Green Bay, Wisconsin. There are around 17,000 enrolled citizens in the Oneida Nation. Members of the tribe actively contribute to the TEFB Program, from farmers who grow food to those who pack and distribute the boxes. The Oneida Emergency Food Pantry plays a key role in getting these boxes into the hands of those who need them.
The Oneida Nation Apple Orchard is integral to the program. Managed by Heather Jordan, the orchard spans 34 acres and features thousands of apple trees, chickens, and beehives. Together with the Oneida Nation Cannery, they ensure that fresh apples and apple products are included in the boxes. Heather feels proud to see these products going to Tribal elders and emphasizes that the focus is on community health, not profit. She uses regenerative agriculture techniques to improve the land and grow high-quality food.
Vanessa Miller, the Food and Agriculture Area Manager, shares Heather’s vision. She sees the TEFB Program as a model for a decentralized food system that values local producers and treats food as essential for health rather than just a commodity. The connection to local producers fosters a deeper understanding of food and its origins, creating a meaningful bond within the community.
Another partner in the program is Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin (FAEW), which manages procurement and transportation. Kara Black, the Procurement and Programs Manager at FAEW, coordinates with a network of Native producers to source food for the boxes. Their goal is to boost food security and create a sustainable intertribal food system.
In 2024, FAEW and their partners helped distribute over 31,230 boxes to various Tribal communities throughout Wisconsin. Collaborations with organizations like the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative have been vital for ensuring effective packing and safe food distribution.
The Oneida Nation Emergency Food Pantry also plays a crucial role in distributing these boxes. Office Manager Samantha Boucher notes that demand is high, often leading to boxes running out quickly. In conjunction with food distribution, the “Mending the Disconnect with Food” initiative offers cooking demonstrations to help elders learn how to prepare meals using the ingredients provided in the TEFB boxes.
Chef Arlie Doxtator, who leads these cooking sessions, emphasizes the importance of reclaiming Indigenous food traditions. He believes reconnecting through food can restore lost cultural ties. The sessions not only provide cooking skills but also enrich the community’s understanding of their heritage.
The TEFB Program has made a significant impact, helping to alleviate food insecurity and reconnect Tribal members with their traditional foods. Belinda McLester, a Project Manager for “Mending the Disconnect with Food,” highlights the link between traditional diets and health outcomes. By promoting the consumption of traditional foods, the program strengthens cultural identity, which in turn can enhance overall well-being.
This holistic approach to food not only addresses immediate needs but also serves as a platform for long-term health benefits and cultural revitalization within the community.
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