Tribal Casinos Start Food Drives Across the Country During Shutdown

Tribal casinos in the US are taking action to fight hunger as communities deal with the holiday season and the current federal government shutdown. To show their support, gaming businesses run by tribal nations are setting up food drives, giving away meals, and offering special deals to help families in need and government workers without pay.

Route 66 and Dancing Eagle Casinos Launch Community Food Drive to Support Local Families

In New Mexico, the Route 66 Casino Hotel and Dancing Eagle Casino plan to host a big community food drive on November 17 and 18. Both casinos belong to the Laguna Development Corporation. Visitors who donate at least five cans or packages of food that have not expired will get free slot play credits. The company has also asked its employees to chip in to make sure the donations reach nearby food pantries fast.

Maxine Velasquez, President and CEO of Laguna Development, says the company wants to help families during tough times. She points out that November is when people show thanks and lend a hand to those struggling the most, reported CDC Gaming. The project has support from partners like Shamrock Foods, Pepsi, and PNM. 

It goes beyond just giving things away. The company’s food truck, Laguna Burger, plans to give out free meals to kids and families in the Pueblo of Laguna and through PBJ Family Services. At the same time, government workers can get a deal at Route 66 Casino Hotel. Every Friday until the end of December, they can buy one buffet and get another one free.

Casinos Offer Free Play and Prizes to Encourage Food Donations Across the US

In Oklahoma, Shawnee’s Firelake Entertainment Center gives guests $10 in free play for each nonperishable item they donate. Close by, Kiowa Casino & Hotel runs a “Cash for Food” campaign that rewards $15–$500 in gaming credits when someone donates $10 in cash. This offer lasts until November 8. In Cache, Comanche Cache Casino offers $50 in Comanche Credit to people who donate. Donors can claim this credit several times a week up to November 20.

Up north, Colorado’s Ute Mountain Casino Hotel is running its “Mountain of Giving” campaign until November 30. Each donated item gives people a chance to enter a $500 cash drawing. In Wisconsin, North Star Mohican Casino Resort’s “Purse for the Pantry” drive lets Star Club members who donate food items on Thursdays throughout the month win prizes.

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan has also started to collect canned and sealed food at health centers through November 25. These donations will go straight to local food banks.

In Arizona, Casino Del Sol is taking nonperishable goods to help the Food Bank of Southern Arizona until mid-November.

Together, these actions highlight how tribal gaming businesses are dedicated to helping nearby areas. They do not just provide fun and jobs. They also make sure no family has to go hungry during this time of year.