The Siċaŋġu Community Development Corporation (SCDC) is launching the Local Foods Capacity Program to empower food producers on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. This program aims to address food apartheid and improve food sovereignty by providing technical assistance, resources, and training to local producers. By helping farmers scale their operations, the initiative will enable them to produce more culturally relevant, nutritious foods for the Siċaŋġu community. Key components of the program include site assessments, financial literacy training, business management skills, and the provision of essential supplies such as seeds, irrigation systems, and equipment. Additionally, SCDC is building partnerships with local producers and institutions to ensure a reliable market for locally grown produce. Through collaborations with organizations like Sacred Storm, Cedar Creek Gardens, and the Rosebud Lak̇ot̄a language immersion school, SCDC will facilitate farm-to-institution procurement, increasing access to fresh food for the community. This initiative strengthens the local food system and supports long-term community resilience, laying the groundwork for food sovereignty and a sustainable, interconnected food network.
