The Growing Project is joining efforts with Global Natural Health Alliance to build a garden at Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Volunteers will be working on the garden at the Pine Ridge jail on April 26-30, 2012!
The 'Rez' is one of the most impoverished places in the western hemisphere and many of the Lakota people are suffering from diseases stemming from a lack of healthy food choices. While there are few resources to change this fact, there is a great desire by the people for fresh produce that is currently unavailable or prohibitively expensive. We strongly believe that access to good food is an essential step forward on the path to positive change.
This garden will eventually consist of 6 plots 120ft x 150ft, each with easy access to water, to be maintained by the 6,800 inmates. The food harvested from the garden will be used in the jail kitchen to sustain the inmates while any remaining food will be distributed to the Pine Ridge community. For now, we aim to tackle one plot, which has already been tilled. This is a massive project that could truly transform the physical and mental well-being of the inmates and provide them with a way to provide for their families once they return home.
If you are interested in helping with this project or coming along, please contact Netta@thegrowingproject.org. Volunteers will be camping and there are limited spaces available!