DURANT, Okla. – 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 and had all of the shelves stocked and ready for clients to go shopping the morning of June 2. 


“The new store will provide a completely new experience for our clients,”
 Jerry Tonubbee, director of the Food Distribution Program, said. 


The distribution center is approximately 7,500 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 (Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood), cannot be participating in the SNAP program and cannot exceed the income guideline set by the USDA that varies by family size.
 


“In May, Durant served 358 households consisting of 834 people,” Tonubbee said.   ”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.