The Cherokee Nation has unveiled a groundbreaking program called the Hawiya Food Sovereignty Program, designed to combat food insecurity within its community. This initiative collaborates with local outreach organizations to provide nutritious food packages, emphasizing the importance of health and well-being among Native Americans. The program aims to address the challenges faced by rural communities that often lack access to proper nutrition, thereby promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing diet-related health issues.

Empowering Communities Through Nutritious Food Distribution

The Hawiya Food Sovereignty Program is committed to ensuring that Cherokee citizens have access to high-quality food resources. By partnering with Community and Cultural Outreach (CCO) organizations, the program delivers monthly food packages containing meat products from the Cherokee Nation’s 1839 Meat Co., such as sausages, pork, and ground beef. These distributions are particularly beneficial for elderly Cherokees aged 60 and above, as well as those fluent in the Cherokee language, who receive priority in receiving these essential supplies.

This initiative not only provides immediate relief to families struggling with food scarcity but also fosters long-term nutritional benefits. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. highlighted the significance of this program during the pandemic, noting that it addresses the critical need to invest in the health of Cherokee citizens. Many rural areas suffer from being in food deserts, where access to fresh and healthy food options is limited. The Hawiya program bridges this gap by leveraging grassroots efforts to secure adequate nutrition for the Cherokee people. The program is open to all households with a Cherokee citizen, regardless of age, income, or residency status, further emphasizing inclusivity and support for the entire community.

Supporting Local Producers and Enhancing Health Outcomes

Beyond providing food assistance, the Hawiya program seeks to strengthen the local economy and improve overall health outcomes. Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, stating that increased access to quality nutritional food will help reduce adverse health effects and break down barriers faced by Cherokee citizens. The program utilizes funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement, which supports the purchase of locally produced foods within a 400-mile radius of the delivery destination. This approach not only ensures freshness and quality but also boosts regional agriculture and commerce.

Eligible families can receive food packages on a monthly basis, distributed during the last three business days of each month. While participants in other food assistance programs like FDPIR or SNAP are generally ineligible, exceptions can be made based on individual hardship assessments conducted by CCO organizations. This flexible approach allows the program to adapt to the unique needs of each household, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of better health and nutrition. Ultimately, the Hawiya Food Sovereignty Program represents a significant step forward in addressing food insecurity and supporting the well-being of Cherokee communities.