Last summer, my colleague Barbara Lopez and I traveled to South Dakota to document the great work two Native American Tribes were doing to feed their children during the summer months.  Feeding children during the summer is crucial in fighting childhood hunger because children are out of school and are not getting the school breakfast and lunch they normally receive when in school.  The Cheyenne River Sioux and Rosebud Sioux Tribes both have long-running summer feeding programs that have helped many families in these tight-knit communities keep their children well fed and physically active.

We captured video of children swimming at the community pool as part of the Youth Diabetes Program before they went next door to get a nutritious summer lunch that included a salad with bright pink radishes and a juicy plum.  We interviewed a hard-working teenager employed at a summer feeding site through his community’s summer youth work program.  By teaching these young people about their culture, giving them work opportunities, and making sure they receive a nutritious meal every day, the Tribes are helping to ensure that the future will be brighter for their people.

Watch the videos that we created from our trip below.

3 Responses to “Summer Food in Indian Country”

1. Jenny Butcher says:

   06/12/2012 at 12:19 PM

   Thank you for this wonderful story and the videos. I will share them with our reservations.
2. Patttan Bdial says:

   06/12/2012 at 3:59 PM

   I am not sure how your documentation would help the children in SD?

   I would be happy to help!
3. robert says:

   06/13/2012 at 7:11 PM

   i would love to help or aid physically if possible im in california but would to travel and encourage this program to other communities as well