Food drives are being organized across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota to support people in need amid local austerity measures and as food stamp benefits are cut this month due to the federal government shutdown.
Rota-based non-profit Luta Cares put out a call for non-perishable food donations a few days ago and has already received donations from Saipan as well. In a post on social media, Luta Cares said the food drive will directly support NAP recipients on Rota. “Let’s come together as one community to help our families in need. Every can, bag, and box of food makes a difference. Together, we care. Together, we feed Luta,” organizers said. Luta Cares plans to distribute donations on November 22, 2025, and will announce details on their Facebook page.
Over the weekend, the Tinian Mayor’s Office shared that the Public School System Child Nutrition Program will distribute bags of food to on-going NAP recipients on Thursday, November 06, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tinian Municipal Gymnasium.
Karidat in Saipan also announced their “Lend A Hand. Give What You Can” initiative. “In response to the growing concern of food insecurity across our communities, Karidat is launching a community-driven effort to provide relief and support to those in need,” the social services organization explained. “Many households are quietly struggling, and while the challenges may not always be visible, they are deeply felt. This initiative is a way for all of us — both on-island and off-island — to come together and make a meaningful difference.”
Karidat said it is accepting monetary donations in person or via PayPal and in-kind donations of non-perishable food and essential supplies for on-island donors. They said, “Every contribution, no matter the size, helps feed a family and restore hope.Lend a hand. Give what you can. Together, we can uplift our communities.”
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