Executive Branch Resumes Food Distributions as SNAP Remains Uncertain

TEEC NOS POS, Ariz. — Last week, the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President collaborated with the Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI) to distribute food in Teec Nos Pos. This effort provided 11 pallets of 50-pound potatoes, 3 pallets of 20-pound pinto beans, 4 pallets of 10-pound blue corn, and 4 pallets of 10-pound yellow or white corn, serving a total of 433 families.

“These events promote food sovereignty through locally grown produce so we can continue to fight food insecurity for our elders, children, and homebound individuals,” said President Nygren.

These food distributions have been made possible through a $5.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which supports the distribution of 49,333 food boxes across the Navajo Nation.

Each week, Community Representatives work with local chapters and NAPI to coordinate volunteers and equipment to assist with unloading at each food distribution site.

Community Representative Herman Farley said, “I want each of our communities to benefit from these food distributions—especially at a time when we are facing a SNAP program funding crisis.”

Additional food distributions are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, November 11, at the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds
• Thursday, November 13, at the Western Navajo Nation Fairgrounds in Tuba City, and at the Lukachukai Chapter

Vehicle line-up will begin at 7:00 a.m., and food distribution will start at 9:00 a.m.

Across the country, food service providers are stepping up to ensure families have access to nutritious food as the decision on SNAP funding moves through court proceedings. The Navajo Nation is no exception and will continue organizing food distributions until every chapter has been served.