TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation said they will be expanding the operations for their Nowata and Stilwell elder nutrition sites to five days a week.
“Last year, Deputy Chief Warner and I announced the expansion of our elder nutrition program, which is supported by funds from our Public Health and Wellness Fund Act,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. “These two sites having their hours expanded is just a part of those efforts. With these two sites being open five days a week, it provides a place for elders to share a meal and fellowship, which is some of the best medicine you can get. Our elders are the foundation of the tribe and it’s our responsibility to take care of them.”
The Nowata elder nutrition site serves around 500 elders each month, while the Stilwell site serves around 620 elders each month.
Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner said, “These elder nutrition updates have been such a blessing to see come to fruition lately. It’s important that we listen to our elders and their needs to make those appropriate changes. We are proud of the progress and are excited for what’s to come in the future.”
Currently, the Cherokee Nation operates over a dozen elder nutrition sites, including programs in Dewey, Porum, Marble City, Belfonte, Kenwood, Evening Shade, Oaks, Spavinaw, Tahlequah, Dry Creek, Greasy, Caney/Tailholt, Nowata, Foyil and Stilwell.
The tribe said they have plans to open future locations in north Tulsa and other areas across the reservation.
The Cherokee Nation said it’s working to expand operations at all elder nutrition facilities to five days a week, depending on demand and staffing requirements.