Press release provided by Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center
MISSION – Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center (Yellowhawk) is excited to announce the completion of the “Little Free Food Pantry” project led by Mariah Watchman, Yellowhawk Resource Coordinator.
This project began in March of 2024 and has been a collaboration with various staff and community members to whom we are extremely grateful. CTUIR handyman, Aaron Bronson played a huge role in the construction of two wooden structures that will serve as the food pantries. CTUIR Tribal Artist, Nizhonia Toledo brought life to them by displaying culturally relevant artistry and creativity – truly beautiful work. Yellowhawk’s maintenance and facilities team, Community Health Representatives (CHR’s), CTUIR public works, UTPD, and CTUIR Housing were also key in the collaboration efforts. This is a great example of collaboration across CTUIR entities, working towards a common goal for our community.
The Yellowhawk Resource Coordinator works to assist patients with resources such as food security, houselessness, clothing/furniture support and keeping members with Oregon Health Plan needs in place. In assisting patients with these needs and outside referrals to other agencies, Watchman recognizes there are many barriers such as time, income, and eligibility requirements to many services. Being a solution orientated individual, Watchman applied for a small grant through the Umatilla Local Community Health Partnership to implement two free food pantries. The goal being to create 24/7, zero-barrier access to non-perishable food items, assisting individuals in need on the CTUIR.
“With cuts to vital programs via federal funding and agency time constraints, along with inflation and the cost of living, these times can be trying and difficult” Watchman said.
Her goal for the food pantry project is for the community to utilize a “community taking care of community” approach and allow members to donate non-perishable food items to the pantries when possible. “Give what you can, take what you need” is the longterm motto as proudly displayed on the boxes. It is asked that non-perishable food items not be expired or damaged, however when you take an item, please check over each item thoroughly before consuming.
Weather conditions will be considered and when internal pantry temperatures are above 95 degrees, food items will be removed to avoid spoilage. Those in need can call 541-240-8703 if facing immediate food assistance needs.
“Countless hours of planning and behind-the-scenes work have gone into bringing this project to life for our community. We hope everyone will help take care of these spaces and watch out for any signs of vandalism or damage,” Mariah shared. “While the structures are within view of UTPD surveillance, a strong community watch makes a big difference.”
If you see anything suspicious, please contact UTPD so we can all help protect what we’ve built together. Yellowhawk is grateful to Nizhonia Toledo and Aaron Bronson for bringing these structures to life – a huge thank you to Mariah for her hard work and dedication to this project and her community. We are extremely grateful to the Umatilla Local Community Health Partnership for the donation to make this project a reality for our community.
