DURANT, Okla. (KTEN) -- The Choctaw Nation Food Distribution Centers are making changes to a program which has been helping feed tribal members for more than 40 years.

"We serve between 2,500 and 3,000 families each year," said Jerry Tunubbee, the center's director.

The federally-funded food distribution center is a source of nutrition for low-income Native American families who live in what are called "food deserts," with no large grocers for them to shop.

"The USDA provides all of this food now," Tunubbee explained. "The tribe does pay part of the administrative expenses for this program."

It's a program that keeps people fed while keeping them safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The center has introduced contact-free ordering and pick up.

"We'll fill it here, let them know that it's available and ready for them to pick up, just like a lot of other groceries stores do now," Tunubbee said.

And a technology boost will link all five food distribution centers.

"If [clients] for some reason want to shop at another site than the one they're registered at, then they can do that now," Tunubbee said.

The nutrition program is supposed to be supplemental, but Jerry Tunubbee sees it as essential.

"For far too many of our people, this is their primary source of food... especially our elders," he said.

The Choctaw Nation has food distribution markets in Antlers, Broken Bow, Durant, McAlester and Poteau.

 

Choctaw Nation Food Distribution Center clients can now order from any of the five centers.
Choctaw Nation Food Distribution Center clients can now order from any of the five centers. (KTEN)