Food insecurity affects Native families on reservations every day, with many facing limited access to fresh, affordable groceries. According to the USDA, only 26% of Native communities live within one mile of a supermarket compared to 59% of the general U.S. population. This challenge hits Elders especially hard in remote places like the Tohono O’odham Nation’s Pisinemo District in Arizona.  

To help bridge this gap, Partnership with Native Americans® (PWNA) offers a Standard Food service through our Southwest Reservation Aid® (SWRA) program, which delivers staple foods to senior centers across the Southwest. These donations enable Program Partners like Mike B. at the Pisinemo Senior Center to provide hot, nourishing meals and a welcoming space where Elders can gather, socialize, and feel cared for.  

Ricky is a Tohono O’odham Nation member who lives in Kupk, one of the smaller villages in the Pisinemo District. His village sits about 15 miles away from the senior center, accessed mainly by a dirt road. Though the trip can be bumpy and long, Ricky looks forward to it every weekday.  

“I grew up off the reservation,” Ricky shared, “but I came here to help family and just stayed.” Kupk is a small community, home to around 20 families connected by strong ties to the land and tradition. Life here is quiet, surrounded by desert and wildlife.  

Because of Kupk’s remoteness, Ricky only makes the trip to the grocery store in Sells about once a month. “I always plan my month ahead,” he explained. “There’s no running out for things. You have to think ahead and be prepared.” The nearest store is 22 miles away, and for some essentials, many in the community travel even farther to places like Casa Grande or Tucson to find better prices and more variety.  

Ricky hopes to revive the community garden at the senior center, a project that would bring fresh produce and a deeper connection to the land. “I want to get that garden going again,” he said. “It would mean a lot to have something growing here for the Elders.”  

His appreciation for the land runs deep — even the view from his home reflects it. Ricky’s window is a front-row seat for nature’s daily show. “My window’s as good as a TV,” he laughed, “With all the animals walking by – horses, rabbits, and coyotes – you never know what you’re going to see.”  

At the Pisinemo Senior Center, Ricky receives meals prepared with care from local cook Diane, who relies on SWRA’s food donations to supplement their supplies. Our Program Partner, Mike B., runs the center and explained, “The Standard Food service from PWNA provides us with pantry staples like beans, flour, canned goods, and juice. It helps us make sure Elders get consistent, nutritious meals daily.”  

For Ricky, the senior center is more than just a place to eat; it’s a place to connect, share stories, and maintain a sense of belonging. “When I get on the van to the center, I know I’m going to see friends and be part of something,” he said. “It’s not just about food. It’s about community.”  

Ricky’s message to donors is simple: “Your support means everything. It lets us know we’re not forgotten; it gives me hope. Thank you for caring about us.”  

In remote villages where access to fresh, affordable food is limited, and the distances to stores are long, programs like SWRA help provide vital nourishment for both body and spirit, reminding Elders that they are seen, valued, and cared for. Donate to SWRA today.