Melinda lives on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, one of the poorest areas in the United States.  She has five children, ages 6 to 19 years old.

Two years ago, Melinda got involved with the Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Program (SBAG). 

SBAG helps families grow organic gardens and gives them an self-sufficient way to feed their children healthy food.  These familes need gardens because of skyrocketing rates diabetes and malnutrition on the reservations.

Melinda remembered her grandfather gardening, but had never tried it herself.  

"My memories of my grandpa’s garden were joyous times when I was a child growing up and I wanted my children to have joyful memories with me also," she says. 

Her first year was very difficult because of inexperience and grasshoppers.  By her second year, though, she was seeing real results!  She grew squash, tomatoes, pumpkins, broccoli, and brussel sprouts.

"Gardening is a great way to spend time with your family. It brings you closer. You also get to see nature grow day by day. It’s a great learning experience for all ages. I recommend gardening for everyone. Thank you Running Strong for American Indian Youth for the great joy you bring every year, helping with gardens."

This spring, Melinda's family is again growing a SBAG garden and she hopes to ”help out everyone if they’re hungry or need food ‘cause times are tough all over."



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