“Chief Gary Batton, Assistant Chief Jack Austin Jr., Councilman Ted Dosh along with other Councilmen and employees of the Food Distribution Center cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Food Distribution Center in Durant.” (By: DEIDRE ELORD)
New food distribution center for the Durant area
By Deidre Elrod
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
The Choctaw Nation celebrated a grand opening for a new food distribution center June 19. The new market location is at 2352 Big Lots Pkwy in Durant.
The staff began the move from the old location May 29 till the 31. All of the shelves were stocked and the food was moved ready for clients to go shopping the morning of June 2.
Jerry Tonubbee, Director of the Food Distribution Program said, “ Moving into the new store from the old one was like moving out of a dungeon and into a palace.”
The distribution center is approximately 7500 square feet and is set up like a typical grocery store with aisles of food to choose from like fresh fruits, vegetables and meats along with foods that are low in sodium and fats.
“Typically a family on our program will receive approximately 85 pounds of food per household member per month,” said Tonubbee.
In order to qualify for the program, at least one member of the household must have a CDIB, cannot be participating in the SNAP program and cannot exceed the income guideline set by the USDA that vary by family size.
Tonubbee said, “In May, Durant served 358 households consisting of 834 people. We anticipate that number growing over the coming months.”
Two more markets are planned for future sites in McAlester and Broken Bow areas.
For more information about the Food Distribution Program call (580) 924-7773.