Feeding the Menominee Nation: A Lifeline of Resilience and Community

Marla Bellanger's journey exemplifies the unwavering commitment of the Menominee Reservation to nourish its community, even in the face of daunting challenges. Her return to the tribe's food distribution program has become a testament to the power of service and the unbreakable bond between the Menominee people.

Restoring Nourishment and Dignity to the Menominee Nation

Answering the Call to Serve

Marla Bellanger's decision to rejoin the Menominee Reservation's food distribution program was driven by a deep-rooted desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of her people. After a brief career change, she found that the true purpose she had felt while working at the tribe's food pantry was irreplaceable. "I always wanted to come back," Bellanger said, "It's really important to me because I'm serving my people directly."

Confronting the Realities of Poverty and Food Insecurity

Menominee County, which closely aligns with the Menominee Reservation, stands as the least populated and one of the most impoverished counties in the state of Wisconsin. The stark reality is that more than 16% of its residents are food insecure, according to the 2024 Map the Meal Gap study by Feeding America. Bellanger and her team work tirelessly each week to provide a lifeline of sustenance to their neighbors, serving 234 households and over 500 individuals through the tribal food pantry.

Navigating the Complexities of Food Distribution

Bellanger's role as a leader in the tribal food distribution program involves coordinating a team of five warehouse workers who unload the weekly food deliveries, store the provisions, and meticulously pack boxes for distribution. Each box contains a minimum of three family meals, encompassing essential food items such as canned vegetables and fruits, grains, nuts, beans, fish, seafood, and meat. However, Bellanger acknowledges that the supply is often insufficient, as the pantry sometimes receives unfamiliar or undesirable foods that the Menominee community does not typically consume.

Navigating the Challenges of Equitable Distribution

Ensuring that the limited resources are distributed fairly and efficiently is a constant challenge for Bellanger and her team. They have simplified the process for individuals to self-attest their income eligibility and receive a box of food, but they must also be vigilant to prevent households from claiming more than their fair share. "We're a small community, so we kind of know who's in whose household," Bellanger explains, highlighting the importance of maintaining a delicate balance between compassion and accountability.

Addressing the Seasonal Shifts in Food Insecurity

While the holiday season often brings increased attention and donations to the tribal food pantry, Bellanger emphasizes that the real need for the community lies in the summer months when children are home from school. Without the free meals provided during the academic year, many families struggle to ensure their children have access to adequate nutrition. Feeding America often steps in to fill this gap by offering kid-friendly treats, but Bellanger remains concerned about the periods before and after the summer meal programs.

Compounding Challenges: The Legacy of Termination and Intergenerational Trauma

The Menominee Nation's struggles with poverty and food insecurity are further compounded by the lasting impact of federal termination, which stripped the tribe of its sovereign status and federal recognition in 1961. This devastating loss of autonomy and resources has had far-reaching consequences, leading to the closure of essential services and infrastructure, and exacerbating the cycle of addiction and intergenerational trauma that has plagued the community.Despite the Menominee Nation's eventual restoration of its sovereign status, the damage done has been profound, and the county has yet to fully recover. Bellanger's unwavering dedication to serving her people is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Menominee community, as they continue to navigate the complex challenges of poverty, food insecurity, and the lingering effects of historical injustices.