Food & Nutrition
Ensuring Tribal members of all ages have access to healthy, nourishing food through community programs and culturally respectful support.
Nourishing Our Community, Honoring Our Traditions
The Food & Nutrition Services Department provides access to nutritious foods and balanced meals for eligible St. Croix Tribal members. Through our programs, we address both immediate food needs and long-term health by supporting healthy eating habits rooted in our cultural values.
Food Distribution
Offers surplus USDA foods to eligible Native Americans in Burnett, Pine, Polk, and Barron counties. Items may include canned goods, fresh produce, meat, and other staples.
Aging & Elder Nutrition
The St. Croix Tribal Aging Unit is an excellent one-stop resource for elders to seek support and obtain information on a variety of different topics including healthcare options, benefit specialist referrals, caregiver resources, dementia specialist services, nutrition, long-term care, and other services. We strive to connect elders to the services they need by providing information and assistance that promote independence and healthy living.
Eligibility
The St. Croix Tribal Aging Unit provides nutritious, flavorful meals for tribal elders ages 55+ and non-tribal elders 60 or older and their spouse (regardless of age), as well as to disabled individuals who reside at home with and accompany an older eligible individual to the dining center. Each meal provides at least 33% of the recommended daily amounts of nutrients for older adults. Nutrition screening and dietary counseling by a Registered Dietician is also available. In addition to the congregate meals served, In 2019, the St. Croix Tribal Aging Unit provided almost 5,500 home delivered meals.
Elders Luncheon & Meal Donation
Hosted at the Danbury Nutrition Center (Danbury Community Center) and the Sand Lake Nutrition Center in Hertel, meals are free to tribal elders who are 55 years of age or older. Non-Tribal Members under 60 years and Tribal Members under 55 must pay the full cost of the meal. The full cost of each meal is $5.00. Each meal location allows elders the opportunity to donate toward the cost of the meal. No eligible participant will be denied a meal if they are unable to donate. In 2019, the St. Croix Tribal Aging Unit provided more than 8,100 congregate meals.