A grant has supported the development of canning classes and the purchase of 10 farm market stands. Courtesy/CRYP
Canning class uses produce fresh from the garden
By Christina Rose
Native Sun News Correspondent EAGLE BUTTE — The Cheyenne River Youth Project in Eagle Butte is launching their garden-centric youth programming for children and teens, and has purchased much-needed supplies for the 2-acre, naturally grown, pesticide-free Winyan Tokawin garden. Along with the garden, the CRYP is sponsoring canning classes taught by Marcella Gilbert of the South Dakota State University Extension office. The classes will be held at the East Lincoln Street campus in Eagle Butte. “We’re thrilled to finally be offering these garden-related workshops and classes at our facility that are open to the public,” said Julie Garreau, CRYP’s executive director. “Our relatives had these skills just two generations ago, but they’ve been overshadowed and even lost in recent years. So we’re committed to sharing those skills and this knowledge with as many people as we can — it’s another important step toward food security, sovereignty and sustainability in our reservation communities.” The canning classes will incorporate fresh, healthy produce. Produce and canned goods will be on sale in the CRYP Farmers Market every Friday starting July 1. Participants can sign up and learn to pickle, make jellies, jams and salsas, and more. The canning classes are scheduled for 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 26 and Tuesday, July 2. They’re open to ages 13 and up, with an enrollment fee of $15 per adult; youth ages 13 to 18 are free. CRYP received a grant from the Northwest Area Foundation and, combined with a major grassroots fundraising effort, enabled the group to purchase 10 stands for the weekly market that will last through the summer and early fall months. The NWAF funding also supported the canning classes. “NWAF is dedicated to reducing poverty and achieving sustainable prosperity, focusing on organizations that are doing innovative, cutting-edge work,” Garreau explained. “We’re honored that they feel CRYP is such an organization, and we’re deeply grateful for their support. The NWAF grant is enabling us to make significant strides toward achieving our long-term vision —for our sustainable agriculture initiatives, as well as for the garden itself.” To learn more and register for the upcoming canning classes at CRYP, call (605) 964-8200; if you’re interested in being an instructor for one or both of the classes, contact Marcella Gilbert at the SDSU Extension office at (605) 964-4955. To take advantage of fresh, nutritious foods from the garden, visit the weekly Farmers Market in Eagle Butte. (Contact Christina Rose at christinarose.sd@gmail.com) Copyright permission by Native Sun News
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