The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Food Pantry in Mashpee, Massachusetts provides fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthy food options for income-eligible Tribal members. The Food Pantry hosts "tastings" of recipes made with healthy Food Pantry items so that food-insecure families have an engaging and nutritious experience while picking up pantry supplies for their household.
When the Pantry receives an abundant donation of fruit and/or healthy snacks, they are always shared with the Wôpanâak immersion school students at “Mukayuhsak Weekuw: The Children's House.” Through an innovative approach to increasing diversity of food provided through the pantry, local tribal hunters and fisherman are able to donate extra meat or catch to ensure that fresh traditional proteins are also provided to families in need. The program works collaboratively with tribal service programs such as Indian Health Service (IHS) to provide health and cultural information to families and supports partnerships with the Mashpee Wampanoag Elderly Nutrition program, the Natural Resources Department, and the Natural Resource Commissioners.
