Funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and based in Douglas, AZ, this project addresses the longstanding inequity in fresh food access and disappearing knowledge and appreciation of cultural indigenous farming practices. The Mayahuel Edible Garden Project is a catalyst to begin gardening practices and farm to table concepts to youth as early as age 10; incorporating local and seasonal foods into school meals; and re-introducing youth and adults to their indigenous and Latino-relevant foods and historically sustainable farming practices. It is believed that the success of this project will lead to larger garden and farm to school efforts statewide. Amistades has partnered with Liberty Traditional Charter School-Saddleback, in Douglas to implement this club as an after-school activity for 5th-8th grade students. In addition to developing a garden at Liberty Traditional Charter School, Amistades will also create a community garden at the Amistades Douglas Office for youth and adults to learn more about gardening and how to integrate home grown fruits and vegetables into their daily lives.
Latinos, Racial Equity, Social Justice, Cultural Preservation, Health Equity, Intergenerational Education, Narrative Change, Substance Abuse Prevention