Following a series of severe storms in southeastern Oklahoma this May, CPN’s Emergency Management, FireLake Discount Foods, Health Services, Workforce Development and Social Services, and Grand Casino Hotel & Resort all mobilized to partner with nonprofit aid groups and the affected communities to respond to the disaster.
This episode explores Potawatomi spring traditions, visits the Potato Dance World Championship and shines a light on Epilepsy Awareness Day.
In 2021, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation’s FireLake Discount Foods joined a group of Oklahoma grocers that began accepting online purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.
FireLake Discount Foods has remained a community staple since opening its doors in 2001, offering fresh, quality produce, meats and grocery options to the public. With additional locations in McLoud and Tecumseh, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation enterprise currently stands as the largest tribally-owned grocery store in the United States.
According to data compiled and published in September by the market research firm Statista, the number of online grocery orders nationwide for pickup or delivery almost quadrupled between August 2019 and August 2020. FireLake Discount Foods saw a surge as well.
In each community served, FireLake partners with local nonprofits, youth programs and more, giving volunteer hours as well as supporting initiatives like Receipts for School and the coupon book program.
Discussions included issues of patron and employee safety, human resources and clinic supplies as well as the feasibility of keeping commercial and government programs running as long as possible.
Enterprises, employees and several departments across the Tribe including FireLake Discount Foods and FireLodge Children and Family Services collect and supply food and gifts through other programs in addition to the Salvation Army every fall.
Blue Zones Project in Pottawatomie County celebrated Citizen Potawatomi Nation FireLake Discount Foods’ recent designation as a Blue Zones Project Approved worksite with a ribbon cutting celebration in November 2019.
As both a manager and customer service representative, Customer Care Manager Kay Bruce keeps others at the forefront of her mind. She believes FireLake Discount Foods does the same as an employer and retail establishment.