Stephanie Wrote:
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> kenuchelover Wrote:
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>
> Your grandmother sounds like quite the lady. I
> wish there was some sort of system like this in
> the area. There are so many hungry kids out here
> that even the government programs aren't quite
> enough.

I mentioned Native Seeds/SEARCH (http://www.nativeseeds.org/v2/default.php) in another post, one thing they do is encourage area tribes to reestablish the old traditional agricultural practices, using the old varieties of plants. They do this mostly for health reasons (fighting obesity & diabetes), but it also helps fight hunger. I know other tribes (some in Oklahoma) try to encourage more backyard gardening for health/nutrition & mental health reasons, and have found that using Native crops lends an added appeal that encourages people.

Eh, maybe the Navajo tribal govt might be convinced to set up local foodbanks, perhaps tied to the chapter houses? I'm sure nothing goes to waste from the local gardens, but this might encourage some of the commercial farmers on & off the Rez to salvage stuff, or folk with off Rez jobs to keep an eye out for special opportunities.

> The Navajo are proud so often they will insist on
> paying something at yard sales. Sometimes, I
> think tourists out here are disappointed with the
> flea markets. There will be artisans here and
> there but the bulk of flea markets is like mini
> yard sales, trying to sell old clothes and other
> hand-me-down goods. It's a way to exchange items
> and still get something back. We make everything
> very affordable. Little girl dresses for $1,
> tshirts for a quarter and so on. I always say if
> they buy in bulk, I'll cut the prices even more.
> Usually, everything goes quickly and alot of
> families walk away with a huge bag of clothes for
> just a couple dollars, very happy about the good
> deal they got. We always stick out a box filled
> with action figures and etc for the kids being
> dragged along as well. Toys in this box are always
> "free" and each child can pick out two that they
> want. This box is always gives a smile of relief
> from even the most ragged and worn out mother.

My area is a lot like that, as well. We're 60-80% hispanic, and very low income. People have yardsales all the time, as do churches & civic groups. And while I've only seen toy giveaways once, huge discounting is quite common.

Kenuchelover.