GTC took action on October 2, 2016 to create an Emergency Food Pantry in 45 days. The Oneida Business Committee (OBC) has worked diligently to fulfill this requirement. Meetings were held to plan, additional research was completed, and various departments have been working together on this project; yet, the reality of opening a fully functional emergency food pantry in only 45 days was logistically not possible.
Anticipating the 45 days was not feasible; the OBC developed and approved a plan to ensure the intent of the service would be available within the 45 day requirement. As a stop gap measure until the doors to the physical space can be opened in compliance with public occupation standards, an emergency food staple voucher system has been set up with the Oneida Market.
This program began on Thursday, November 17 and is available to assist those in need on an emergency basis.
The guidelines for the program are:
- Must be an emergency like a catastrophic event, loss of income, death in the household, job loss, unforeseen major household expense, etc. The definition of “Emergency Food Pantry” approved by the OBC is as follows: “Food emergency is any situation that causes an unforeseen or sudden occurrence of a food shortage to an individual or family requiring an immediate remedy to address the nutritional needs of the household”.
- Qualifying Criteria: 1 member within the household must be enrolled Oneida.
Applications and intake for this service is at the Economic Support Office, located in the Social Services Building located at 2640 West Point Rd. The distribution of the emergency food staple voucher is available Monday- Friday 9 am – 11 am.
The OBC is continuing to get the emergency food pantry up and running. The lease agreement is nearly complete, building code updates and cleaning is occurring, and equipment is being obtained. The OBC has also looked to other local pantries for best practices in pantry operations.
Food sources are also being researched and coordinated through internal resources and with local grocers. Additional updates on the implementation of the emergency food pantry will be provided as progress is completed.
The OBC extends appreciation to the General Tribal Council for providing input, guidance and support for this service.
