Zuni, New Mexico, is the largest traditional Pueblo in New Mexico — a sovereign, self-governed nation with 12,000 residents and its own school system. The Zuni Public School District, as explained on the ZPSD website, “is the first Indian-controlled, independent public school system in the nation, established by the Tribal members to meet the needs of their children…It is a unique and progressive educational system that has been undergoing extensive restructuring in organizational and instructional areas so educational needs of all children can be effectively met.” But progressive as it may be academically, the school system hasn’t matched their advancements in the way they run the cafeteria. At Twin Buttes High School, lunches have always been devoid of fresh fruits and vegetables, and offered no vegetarian options, a cause of widespread but rarely expressed dissatisfaction among the students — until one kid took a stand. An article from the non-profit youth media and advocacy organization, What Kids Can Do, tells the story of 17-year-old Alex Jamon’s leadership in uncovering the concerns of his classmates about their own nutrition, and developing a solution that feeds the student body in more ways than one: “Traditionally, Zuni food has a special quality,” Alex… (more)
(Posted by Sarah Rich in Education at 11:38 AM)
