A Growing Season of Community Engagement
The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP) has been actively engaged with the Zuni community throughout this growing season, providing numerous opportunities for community members to learn about and participate in food sovereignty initiatives. As the summer comes to a close, ZYEP is excited to announce the launch of its Food Sovereignty Summer Workshop Series, which will kick off later this week.
A Virtual Pickling Workshop to Kick Off the Series
The series will begin with a virtual pickling workshop, where ZYEP’s food sovereignty team will share knowledge about pickling items that are commonly found in gardens, including cucumbers, snap peas, purslane, jalapeños and onions. The video release is scheduled for the end of this week.
- Brittny Seowtewa, ZYEP’s food sovereignty coordinator, will be leading the virtual workshop.
- Seowtewa is dedicated to serving Zuni children ages 7-12 through Wellness Week and Summer Camp — 127 and 120 kids respectively, in June and July.
In-Person Workshops and Family Cook Nights
Next, from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Aug. 14, the team will offer a workshop in collaboration with Spirit Farm, based in Vanderwagen, New Mexico. The topic is pending, as details are still being finalized, but ZYEP will share updates through Facebook and Instagram in early August.
- The final workshop in the summer series will focus on food preservation and will be held in September.
- Reyna Banteah from Ts’uyya Farm will be joining ZYEP for this event.
A Community-Driven Approach to Food Sovereignty
ZYEP’s food sovereignty initiative is built on a community-driven approach, which means that the organization works closely with community members to identify their needs and aspirations for their gardens and farms. This year, the ZYEP team has been checking in with families to see how their gardens are doing and providing support if needed.
- One of the key ways ZYEP is supporting its community is through its distribution of garden kits to 100 Zuni families.
- The kits included non-GMO, organic seeds, home garden tools, shade cloth, and a variety of seeds.
Community Partnerships and Outreach
ZYEP has been working with a series of community partners during this growing season, broadening its reach in the Zuni community. For example, the food sovereignty team assisted the Zuni Veterans Services Program with its seed starts.
- ZYEP also provided healthy breakfast demonstrations to 15-20 elders at the Zuni Senior Center every Monday for several weeks.
- The team loaned a Garden Tower to the Zuni Senior Center and helped set up five raised garden beds at the Lakeside Community Building.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Community Development
ZYEP is committed to sustainability and community development, and its food sovereignty initiative is no exception. The organization is dedicated to providing access to resources, instruction and knowledge sharing to people of all ages and abilities.
| Organizations Supporting ZYEP | Supporting ZYEP’s Food Sovereignty Initiative |
|---|---|
| Center for Science in the Public Interest | New Mexico Department of Health, Newman’s Own Foundation, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Partnership with Native Americans (PWNA) |
| Native American organizations | Providing resources and expertise to support ZYEP’s food sovereignty initiative |
About ZYEP
ZYEP is a nonprofit youth organization founded in 2009, dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth.
Getting Involved
To learn more about ZYEP and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call 505.782.8000 or visit zyep.org. Follow ZYEP on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up to date on the latest news and events.
Conclusion
The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is making a positive impact in the Zuni community through its food sovereignty initiative, which is built on a community-driven approach. As the summer comes to a close, ZYEP is excited to announce the launch of its Food Sovereignty Summer Workshop Series, which will continue in August and September. By working together with community members and partners, ZYEP is committed to providing access to resources, instruction and knowledge sharing to people of all ages and abilities.
