By: NP staff | The Navajo Post | May 11.

Gallup, N.M. – Long time food bank gets a visit from Navajo President, Ben Shelly. The Navajo Nation is looking for ways to partner with Food Pantries, a organization that feeds local communities.

The Food Bank opened its doors back in 1999 and serves about 37,000 people annually. Nearly 90 percent are Native American, said the President spokesman Erny Zah.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly toured one of the areas largest food pantries on Wednesday, May 9.

“I have long supported The Community Pantry since I was McKinley County Commissioner. Now that I am President of the Navajo Nation, I want to see what we can do as a Nation to partner with The Community Pantry since they serve a great number of our Navajo people,” President Shelly said at the conclusion of his tour.

In the past, when a demand for food often forces the pantry to turn people away. the President said he wanted to explore a partnership with The Community Pantry through programs such as the Division of Social Services and the Navajo Department of Health.

“They serve a lot of our people, and we should do what we can to help them,” President Shelly said.

The President also had a chance to tour the garden, warehouse of donated foods, and conference rooms that are available for use at the 21,000 square feet building.

Mr. Shelly offered support and looks to bridge the efforts in feeding the communities of the Navajo Nation. “I support what you are doing here,” he said.