Partnership With Native Americans (PWNA), a nonprofit organization committed to championing hope for a brighter future for Native Americans, has been awarded a $25,000 grant from Newman's Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist, Paul Newman.
Newman’s Own Foundation made the award to PWNA as part of a broader commitment to support programs that increase access to fresh food and nutrition education in underserved communities. This funding will help PWNA promote healthier diets for Native Americans living on remote and often impoverished reservations through its Project Grow service.
Project Grow utilizes a Native American chef/nutritionist to teach healthy cooking and food preservation skills to people across Arizona and New Mexico. Once trained, the students will be able to instruct their own tribal communities about critical daily needs such as healthy eating habits, food preparation, etc.
“Many people may not realize that nearly one in four Native American households experiences food insecurity,” said PWNA President and CEO Robbi Rice Dietrich. “Through the generous support of Newman’s Own Foundation, Partnership With Native Americans can continue our mission of supporting long-term solutions for strong, self-sufficient Native American communities, and help tribal residents maintain sustainable nutrition programs in their own communities. We are incredibly grateful for their support.”
Native Americans living in remote areas face many food security issues, including scarce access to grocery stores, inflated prices and limited selection of quality food in geographically-isolated communities. PWNA’s Project Grow will equip local trainers and build local capacity that is critical to helping Native communities make healthier lifestyle choices and combat nutrition-related diseases.
“We are proud to fund Partnership With Native Americans as they work to make a difference in our communities,” said Bob Forrester, President and CEO, Newman’s Own Foundation. “They are one of the many organizations helping to identify needs and fill the gaps for children and families who lack access to healthy foods.”
Newman’s Own Foundation has been supporting food and nutrition programs for more than 30 years and has given more than $11.5 million to nutrition-focused organizations since 2014. The Foundation continues Paul Newman’s commitment to give all net profits and royalties from the sale of Newman’s Own food and beverage products to charity. Since 1982, more than $475 million has been donated to thousands of charities around the world.
