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Zuni Youth Grow Culture & Food
11 Aug
Summary
- Youth learned about sugary drinks and healthy alternatives.
- Campers made boba, fruit salad, vegetable sushi, and corn parfaits.
- ZYEP gardens utilize hydroponics and traditional waffle garden methods.
The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project (ZYEP) is currently experiencing a thriving food sovereignty initiative. This summer, their 18th Annual Summer Camp successfully engaged 120 children, focusing on nutrition education and hands-on food preparation. Activities highlighted both traditional ingredients and contemporary culinary trends, with campers learning to create healthier versions of popular items like boba and vegetable sushi.
ZYEP's efforts extend beyond the camp. An apprentice-style pilot project supports three Zuni families, teaching them traditional gardening techniques like waffle gardens for water conservation. These initiatives are complemented by community partnerships, including a collaborative garden with the Indian Health Service.
The Ho'n A:wan Park garden, supported by a productive monsoon season, provided kale for a recent community event. While recent monsoon rains caused some manageable flooding at ZYEP facilities, the project is adapting and preparing for fall planting at Zuni Head Start and installing hydroponic towers at Zuni Senior Center.
Future plans include workshops on seed saving and healthy recipes, along with a cultural workshop for apprentice families. ZYEP's food sovereignty initiative, supported by various foundations and government entities, is dedicated to providing access to resources and knowledge for all ages and abilities.
