Food Pharmacy

FAST Blackfeet’s Food Pharmacy Program is a produce prescription program that addresses chronic disease and food insecurity in the Blackfeet Nation. The program makes healthy food more accessible and gives participants the skills and knowledge to eat well.

The Food Pharmacy Program started in 2020 as a unique partnership between a Tribal health clinic (the Southern Peigan Health Center) and a community non-profit (FAST Blackfeet). Today, Patients are referred from the Southern Peigan Health Center, or another healthcare provider, if they have a diet-related disease diagnosis and are experiencing food insecurity.

FAST Blackfeet Nutrition Education Program

FAST Blackfeet’s Nutrition Education Program offers monthly classes that cover essential topics like basic nutrition, shopping for healthy foods, and traditional Indigenous foods. Led by Mackenzie Sachs, our Registered Dietitian, and Keshawna Yazzie-Wolftail, our Nutrition Education Specialist, these classes provide participants with hands-on experience in making healthier food choices.

All ingredients are provided, making it easy for everyone to participate and learn. Mackenzie and Keshawna also offer food demonstrations in the Ō’yō’·ṗ’ Food Pantry and teach traditional cooking classes, bringing a deeper connection to our community’s food heritage.

Food Pharmacy Participants have access to:
Individual nutrition counseling with FAST Blackfeet’s Registered Dietitian, Mackenzie Sachs.
Group cooking classes that use Blackfeet foods and incorporate Indigenous nutrition concepts and knowledge
Specialized food boxes from the Ō´yō´ṗ´ Food Pantry to meet dietary needs
Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Vouchers to be used at Blackfeet Nation grocery stores

The fresh fruit and vegetable vouchers help participants access the foods recommended to manage their health conditions. Fresh produce is otherwise difficult to access in the Blackfeet community as a result of the remote location, high prices and lower quality. Many community members travel off the Reservation to purchase groceries that last them multiple weeks. The vouchers allow participants to purchase fresh produce more often, and support local retailers.

Vouchers can be redeemed for fresh produce at participating vendors on the Blackfeet Reservation: Glacier Family Foods, Teeples IGA, Glacier Park Trading Company, Glendale Colony Produce Stand, Suzie’s Store, St Mary Grocery