IRVING — The Seneca Nation is stepping forward to support Seneca individuals and families who rely on important benefit programs that are being impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown.

“The Seneca Nation will do everything we can to take care of our community members in need,” Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca said Friday. “The federal government shutdown is having real life impacts for many Seneca families and households who depend on programs like SNAP, WIC and LIHEAP to keep them and their families safe, healthy and fed. We won’t let our people suffer because of political bickering in Washington.”

The Nation wants its community members to know there are resources available at this stressful time. Several departments are ready to assist Seneca community members in need of assistance related to food security and/or heating assistance, including:

Tribal Advocate Programs — Allegany Territory, contact Lynn George at (716) 945-2655 or l.george@sni.org; Cattaraugus Territory, contact Kerry Kennedy at (716) 244-1648 or kerry.kennedy@sni.org; Buffalo, contact Tahlia Stafford at (716) 845-6304 or tahlia.stafford@sni.org.

USDA Program — Contact J.J. White at (716) 532-1028 or jjwhite@sni.org.

With lingering uncertainty around a resolution to the government shutdown, and with the winter weather season approaching, the Seneca Nation is also accepting donations of food staples to help ensure Seneca community members have the food support they need.

The Nation’s Tribal Advocate Program is accepting donations of food items like venison, canned goods, eggs, rice, pasta, dried beans, milk, peanut butter and baking ingredients. Fresh items such as produce, dairy and other perishable goods are also welcome, as storage space is available to accommodate them.

Anyone interested in making a donation is asked to contact the Tribal Advocate offices at the Allegany Territory, (716) 945-2655; Cattaraugus Territory, (716) 244-1648; or the Buffalo office, (716) 845-6304.

Each program will be sending out updates to the Seneca community by social media, flyers and the Seneca Nation newsletter as new information becomes available.

“Throughout history, our Seneca community has always looked out for one another in difficult times,” President Seneca said. “We are a nation of one people. Let’s rally together and make sure Seneca families being hurt by the federal government shutdown have the food and support they need.”