Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Official Newspaper of Eddy County since 1883
Last December, the Transcript published an article introducing New Rockford area native Patrick Schmid’s efforts to open a grassroots food pantry on the Spirit Lake Nation.
It was a year ago that Schmid took a big leap in an effort to give back to his community. Schmid, now a resident of Devils Lake, sought to create a non-profit food bank that served the Spirit Lake Nation and surrounding communities.
During this past year, with support from countless individuals, Schmid has seen his project through five mobile food truck drops, serving over 1,000 households. Now known as Wana Wota - meaning ‘time to eat’ in Lakota - the organization has a full board of directors, a permanent location and 501 (c) (3) nonprofit status, and is incorporated by the state.
The next pop-up drop will be held Dec 20 at 11 a.m. in the Spirit Lake Casino parking lot.
If you wish to donate contact Pat Schmid (701) 381-0088. Wana Wota has an account at Bremer Bank in Devils Lake.
Schmid, who is now studying social work at the University of North Dakota, says, "The winter holidays can be hard for a lot of people regardless of race, class or family size. It the goal to distribute food to the people of the reservation and area communities, no questions asked. You don't need to be tribally enrolled, live on the reservation or have a referral. No one will be denied. All in need of food assistance are welcome."
