Tuba City lines up for massive food distribution

PHOENIX — The coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh heavily on the Navajo Nation's food infrastructure.

The Nation is coming off of a 57-hour curfew over the weekend in hopes of preventing the spread of COVID-19. According to the Navajo Department of Health, there are currently 813 positive cases as of Tuesday. One of the challenges facing the nation is access to clean food as many residents live in rural areas. 

On Tuesday, St. Mary's Food Bank launched a massive mobile pantry outreach to the community of Tuba City. The Phoenix-based food bank sent four tractor-trailer trucks with nearly 90,000 pounds of food. 

St. Mary's Food Bank says they fed a total of 2,000 families in Tuba and 3,427 total families on Tuesday. 

PREVIOUSLY: Food bank to donate four tractor-trailers worth of food to Navajo Nation

"You know, some people are scared; some don't want to have contact with people," said Bobbie Yazzie, a senior healthcare worker for the Navajo Nation. 

Nation leaders are considering another curfew if the virus continues to spread. 

If you'd like to volunteer or donate to the St. Mary's Food Bank, check out their website. Director of Public Relations, Jerry Brown says the food bank is always in need of volunteers and financial donations.

Volunteers in Tuba City include the Tuba City Regional Healthcare/Tonaneesdizi Chapter, Navajo Nation Division of Health and St. Mary's Food Bank Coconino County

RELATED: 'If you don't have running water, how can you wash your hands?': Lack of running water complicates coronavirus suppression on Navajo Nation

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