Although gardening might seem like a fashionable, trendy hobby for eco-conscious hipsters but it serves its primary purpose – to provide food for a whole family -, many Americans still have hope for the future. Community gardens are a way for families to get fresh produce and vegetables on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation located in Slim Buttes.

Americans are often advised by doctors and health advocates to eat more fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. Many poor communities don’t have access to supermarkets, and many families cannot afford all-organic meals.

Many Pine Ridge homes lack electricity, running water, or sewerage. They find that community gardens not only provide entertainment, but also provide fresh food and exercise. According to statistics, obesity and diabetes are two of the most common problems among American Indians.

The reservation’s gardening is not easy. Pine Ridge is the eighth largest Indian reservation in the United States. It sits on the country’s most remote land. It is not often that rain falls, and it is difficult for plants to grow in heat, wind, weeds, and pests.

Running Strong for American Indian Youth is a program that aims to help young American Indian youth.www.indianyouth.orgAmerican Indian-led charity (The ), based in Virginia and affiliated to Christian Relief Services (www.ChristianRelief.org), started its Slim Buttes Agricultural Development project, named after the remote community on the southwest corner of the Pine Ridge Reservation where it is based. Families can apply to the project for financial support to help them with their gardening endeavors. Running Strong offers seedlings, seeds, tilling, and fencing to support families in their garden creation. It also provides seasonal employment to Native youth who are often unemployed and unable to work.

Pine Ridge Reservation’s 500 family gardens provide food for 3,800 people, or about 10% of the total population. Prior to the community gardens, residents had not eaten fresh fruits and veggies in many decades. Families now grow tomatoes, potatoes and turnips as well as beans, tomatoes, beets and carrots.

Charity can benefit from all the support they can receive during difficult economic times. Visit www.help.org to learn more. www.indianyouth.org.