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Arizona Gives Day: Bringing Food Security to Native Elders

   By Joshua Arce

Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized Tribes, which collectively represent one of the largest Native American populations in the U.S. In fact, the state’s reservation system spans nearly 19 million acres or about a quarter of its total land. Given this, Arizona is a key focus for PWNA, as we currently provide aid to 12 reservations across the state. This is why Arizona Gives Day (AZ Gives) holds such significance and opportunity for you and for us. It presents a unique opportunity to directly impact the well-being of Native communities throughout Arizona.

What impact will your AZ Gives donation make? We’re glad you asked. But first, let us set the scene on some immediate realities that Native Americans face every day:

Food Insecurity and Its Impact on Native Health

Food insecurity is a growing issue for many Native communities, particularly those in remote areas with limited access to grocery stores or fresh produce. In fact, in 2023, 25% of Indigenous households across the U.S. reported experiencing food insecurity, up from 23% in prior years.

The traditional foods that Tribal communities relied on for generations are often difficult to access. Plus, the reliance on processed foods has led to a rise in diet-related health problems. As a result, Native Americans today are 150% more likely to have diabetes and 40% more likely to have obesity than non-Hispanic Whites. Without the resources to grow or grocery stores to access healthy food, Arizona and other Tribal communities face an uphill battle. So, PWNA and our reservation partners work to ensure that every person can access the nutrition they need to thrive.

Water Insecurity and Life Without It

Clean drinking water is a basic human need and access to it should be a basic human right. But for many Native communities in Arizona, water is an ongoing challenge. For example, 48% of reservation homes lack access to clean, safe drinking water. Some rely on wells contaminated by mining or even rainwater runoff. Without sufficient water, everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing are difficult, let alone farming and other livelihoods.

What Impact Will Your AZ Gives Donation Make?

AZ Gives Day presents a chance to sustain our critical Emergency Food Box service for Native Elders in underserved communities. Last year, we distributed 41,700 pounds of food to Southwest Elders through emergency food boxes alone. Beyond emergency food, our organization also provides fresh produce, holiday meals and food pantry staples. We also invest in long-term solutions for food sovereignty on the reservations, such as community gardens, greenhouses and training on food preservation and foraging.

This Arizona Gives Day, let’s work together toward a brighter future for Native communities across Arizona. Visit PWNA at AZ Gives 2025 to learn more or make a donation to bring food security to Native Elders. This Arizona Gives Day, let’s work together toward a brighter future for Native communities across Arizona. Visit PWNA 4 AZ Gives 2025 to learn more or make a donation to bring food security to Native Elders. From Quechan to Navajo, and Kaibab to Tohono O’odham, join us in transformative change.