Although Tribal communities are often known for their challenges, we must also remember that such communities are home to unique individuals with incredible stories. Partnership With Native Americans® (PWNA) provides material support for our Program Partners, giving them resources to serve as a pillar for their clientele. Through our Southwest Reservation Aid® (SWRA) program’s Standard Food service, Program Partners at senior centers can receive bulk food items to ensure they provide consistent meals for Elders on limited budgets. Not only do senior centers provide Elders with access to healthy meals, but they also provide an opportunity for them to engage with others in the community, share stories, and make meaningful connections.

Our Program Partner, Marcella, with the Sif-Oidak Senior Center in North Komelik, Arizona, receives nonperishable foods through our Standard Food service. The supplies of flour, juice, canned vegetables, and many other foods ensure they can continue to serve their community as a source of nutrition and connection for Elders.

70-year-old Gabriel is a frequent patron of the senior center and a lifelong community member. Originally from Sells, the capital of the Tohono O’odham Nation, Gabriel’s family relocated to East Chuichu at the northern edge of the reservation after acquiring farmland. “I’m from one of the first generations that moved there,” said Gabriel. However, water issues in the area led to a halt for many farmers. Gabriel recalled, “I graduated in ’71, and the last time we farmed was around ’74. My dad used to grow watermelons, cotton, corn, alfalfa, wheat, maize – all the essential crops.”

Gabriel comes from a family that has served his Tribe in several different ways. His late father, Max, served as chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation from 1979-1983. During this time, Gabriel’s mother, Alice, testified to the U.S. Senate on the needs of Indigenous Elders. These efforts led to the opening of the first Elderly Centers in the Tohono O’odham Nation. Gabriel told us, “I enjoy coming here. It’s something my mom built; it was her dream. Every chance I can do things for them, it’s because of my mom’s dream, and it was a dream for our people.”

Not only does he get to see his mother’s vision in action, but Gabriel also enjoys this setting where he can maintain lifelong connections. “I grew up with all these guys,” said Gabriel as he gestured towards the other Elders in the room. However, remaining in the same village his whole life has been bittersweet. “Most of my classmates and people I worked with here got to retire. Some were lost to alcohol, some to diabetes,” said Gabriel. He later added, “Some never made it to high school because alcohol got the best of them, because it was the only thing for them to do.”

In a time where 38% of purchased food goes to waste across the United States, Gabriel is thankful for SWRA donors who support Program Partners like Marcella in providing the resources to help feed more Elders. He stated, “Every little bit helps. We used to get food rations back in the day. Now with the cost of food going up, it’s needed. I appreciate the donations; it doesn’t go to waste!” By supporting SWRA’s

Standard Food service, donors are helping senior centers serve their purpose as a core asset for Native Elders through food and community. Donate to SWRA today.