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Slim Buttes Agricultural Development Program |
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 Children get exercise and access to fresh produce in the family gardens supported by the Slim Buttes Agricultural Program.
Organization: Slim Buttes Agricultural Project (SBAG)
Year: 1994-Present
Tribe: Oglala Lakota (Sioux)
Reservation: Pine Ridge Reservation
Location: Pine Ridge, SD
The Slim Buttes Agricultural Project (SBAG) is a community effort to increase local food production, improve the nutritional quality of food, and promote self-reliance among the Oglala Lakota.
On the Pine Ridge Reservation, diabetes is rampant, most people can only afford an unhealthy diet, and fresh fruits and nutritious vegetables are hard to come by.
SBAG is a community-based organic gardening project that addresses these problems. The project provides soil preparation, seedlings, and other gardening assistance to families across the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, free of charge.
Families sign up to host a garden, and with the support of SBAG, begin growing their own food while developing an active lifestyle from tending the garden.
Tom Cook (Akwesasne Mohawk) is the full-time director of the project and a Running Strong Field Coordinator. Tom employs only local residents and is able to achieve outstanding results.
 SBAG founder Tom Cook (R) in the greenhouse with other gardeners.
• tilling plots for families to farm
• delivering seedlings
• distributing packages of seeds
• installing more than nine miles of irrigation systems.
Gardens in the project grow tomatoes, potatoes, beets, carrots, turnips, beans, melons, peppers, lettuce, spinach, squash, artichokes, and corn.
Each year, produce from SBAG feeds over 3,000 people.
Running Strong for American Indian Youth is the base financial support for the Slim Buttes Agricultural Project. From six community gardens, this program has grown into an agent of community change.
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