Indigenous people are at a higher risk of health-related issues such as diabetes and heart disease which, without a healthy diet, can be fatal; and the installation of gardens and greenhouses immediately begin addressing this issue. Additionally, the Tyendinaga population must drive 30-45 minutes for fresh food, as they are in a food desert which creates health problems among an already vulnerable population. The pandemic throws more barriers into play, as the rising cost of fuel and food has lowered accessibility while raising physical and mental health issues.
Due to the factors above, there was a clear need for accessible, healthy food. Thankfully, our community has the Community Food Resource Center and the Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre, however, these initiatives are not enough to meet the current need of food insecurity infrastructure.
Since the time of colonization, Indigenous communities have witnessed a drastic decline in - and an effort in colonial powers and structures to erase - the health and integrity of Indigenous sovereignty, this includes the rights and needs of culture, ecosystems, social structures, and knowledge systems which are integral to our ability to respond to our own needs for adequate amounts of healthy Indigenous foods.
Our goal is to provide Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with fresh produce year round, while revitalizing the soil with fungal cultures that help greatly in remediation of the soil which in turn creates clean runoff into the Bay of Quinte and surrounding watersheds.