Turtle Mountain Band expands food and heating aid during shutdown

The Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa developed emergency plans to support members with food and heating assistance in response to the federal government shutdown, according to KMOT. Chief Financial Officer Jesse Trottier said the North Dakota tribe relied on experience from the pandemic and the 2018 shutdown to guide its response. Chairman Jamie Azure said the tribe allocated about $1.2 million from its general account to expand programs including school food assistance, the community kitchen and food cards. The tribe also increased Meals on Wheels services.

With SNAP benefits uncertain, Trottier said the tribe partnered with Rolette County to offer its own version of food support and issued $110,000 in food cards. Azure said the tribe redirected $30,000 in remaining LIHEAP funds from last year after federal energy assistance was cut.