Food Pantry

The Food Pantry is under the oversight of the Governor and officially opened their doors on September 29, 2021. The Food Pantry was started with CARES money.

To eliminate hunger in the Shawnee/Tecumseh/and Norman area by providing Tribal members that are in need with programs that provide food, promote the value of nutrition, increase self-sufficiency, and instill hope. In doing so, the Food Pantry helps to ensure that food relief has a more meaningful, enduring impact. Absentee Shawnee Tribe Food Pantry is
the tribe’s first food pantry; it is a nonprofit organization that seeks to alleviate hunger by efficiently gathering and distributing food to all eligible Tribal members.

Eligibility is for AST members only and there are no income restrictions. The Food Pantry initially started with less than 50 families and has now grown to over 250 families.

Distribution days are on Tuesdays 1pm to 5 pm; Wednesdays 9am to 6pm and Thursdays 9am to 5pm by scheduled appointments. Office hours are Monday thru Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 3pm.
The office is open to answer questions and make appointments along with taking new applications.

The boxes consist of all types of non-perishables, ranging from canned meats and vegetables, different types of pastas, cereals, rice and beans, juices, soups, and other select items.