Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians & Trillium Produce Plus
Date: 11/23/22
As part of our commitment to health equity, we are actively developing strategies to increase access to whole healthcare for the Native American communities we serve. For example, our Trillium Produce Plus program has established a site at the tribal office for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in Lane County.
In partnership with FOOD for Lane County, the Trillium Produce Plus program brings free high-quality fresh fruits and vegetables, plus additional food items, to people in need at community and neighborhood locations serving diverse populations. The Produce Plus site for the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians in Lane County currently has the most accessible hours of operation, allowing clients to stop in and pick up produce any time the tribal office is open. From January through September 2022, this site served 1,822 individuals and 603 households, distributing 11,768 pounds of food.
Trillium Produce Plus allows community members to make meaningful changes in their health and nutrition even when faced with inflation and the rising cost of groceries. For example, one tribal member who came to the office to conduct business said she had just had to put back some of her produce at the grocery store because she didn't have enough money. She was excited to learn she could access fruits and veggies through Trillium Produce Plus. Similarly, a tribal youth came to the office with their parents and was able to grab bananas for a snack right before they headed to basketball practice. Produce Plus also helps provide families with food to put in their kids’ lunch boxes. As one tribal member noted, "I have never eaten this many veggies in my whole life!" Another replied, "Oh I know, I am even finding way to get my kids to eat some of them."
Beginning in 2023, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians is planning to offer cooking classes providing ideas for how to prepare the fruits and veggies available through Trillium Produce Plus.
If you are interested in learning more about Trillium Produce Plus visit the FOOD for Lane County website.