Progress 07/01/23 to 06/30/24

Outputs
Target Audience:This year focused on the development of the Kenaitze Food Sovereignty Campus. The landscaped garden footprint has been developed, and planting of fruit trees has begun. The landscaped garden includes: 1) ADA pathways; 2) sixteen crabapple trees on the perimeter to facilitate increased pollination; 3) three tall circular garden beds; 4) twenty raised garden beds; 5) twenty-nine ground level garden beds; 6) six tables; and 7) twelve benches. Planting of additional fruit trees, including apple trees has begun. In addition to the landscaped garden, the commercial hydroponics system has been delivered, and all utilities hooked up. Our target audience consists of 1,906 Kenaitze Tribal Members and approximately 4,410 Alaska Native/American Indian (AN/AI) residents of the Tribe's service area. During the development of the landscaped garden footprint, members of the target audience were supported with healthy food in the following ways: 1) greenhouse produce delivered to our Tyotkas Elders Program; 2) greenhouse produce delivered to our Na'ini Social Services Food Cache; and 3) Kenaitze Primary Care referrals for individuals and families faced with food insecurity. Winter 2024 will begin the use of our hydroponics system for greens to be available for more people who are food insecure in our target population. Spring of 2025 we will plant in the Community Food Project's landscaped garden, hold outdoor workshops and increase distribution of fresh food to our target population. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The two greenhouse coordinators are expanding their outdoor growing knowledge for the Alaska climate through the development of a small outdoor garden that is used as our "learning garden". Through this smaller garden they have learned to test the soil, improve on soil mixtures, and increase awareness of which types of produce grow well outdoors in our location. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?During the next reporting period the ADA pathways will be completed and a lawn will be installed. Additionally, raised garden beds of various sizes will be built and installed, tables and benches will be built and placed and 18 border trees will be planted. Next, a variety of fruit trees, berry bushes, rooted vegetables, traditional Alaska native plants and other vegetables will be planted. During the planting of these items, workshops and classes will be held. These workshops and classes will give our un'ina (the people we serve) the opportunity to learn how plant and grow in the Alaska climate. These workshops and classeswill be offered to students in our Educational Department, elders in ourelders program, students and clients in our behavioral health programs, people served in our social services programs, and individuals identified as food insecure in our Primary Care Department.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1: Rooted Landscaping, LLC was selected to develop the three (3) acres of landfor the Kenaitze Food Sovereignty Campus. This location sits behind two large greenhouses that grow produce year round. Phases 1, 2, and 3 of development havebeen completed. Phase 1 consisted of completing a waterline extension and installing a drainable underground shutoff valve for winter months. The waterline is buried at a 10 foot depth to the utility hub location. Phase 2 consisted of grubbing the three acres and ensuring a consitent grade throughout the footprint of the garden area. Additionally, an access road was installed all the way to the garden area. Phase 3 consisted of installing hose bib connections in four locations throughout the garden to support proper water drainage. Phase 4 has begun, and consistsof the installation of 32 ground level planter sections, equaling 12,100 square feet. Each planter section is bordered with lumber that is fastened to the ground. Still in progress for Phase 4 is the development of ADA compliant pathways. Goal 2: Produce grown in the two existing greenhouses located on the Food Sovereignty Campus is distributed twice weekly to the Kenaitze Tyotkas Elders Program. This program uses the produce forlunches served to elders at their facility, and for lunches delivered to elders who are home-bound. Additionally, produce from the greenhouses is taken to the Kenaitze Food Cache located in our Na'ini Social Services building. Once fully developed, the completion of the ADA compliant landscaped produce garden will not only contribute to these programs, it will also provide the opportunity for others who are food insecure to obtain fresh produce, while also participating in learning opportunities at the site.

Publications