Growing Health Program

Relearning to Feed Our People

FAST Blackfeet’s Growing Health Program was launched in 2021 as the Growing Health Tea Project, a response to the challenges the Blackfeet community faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially focused on herbal tea production, the program has since expanded to create broader economic and well-being opportunities within the Blackfeet Nation.

The program provides participants with materials and training to grow, harvest, and process herbal teas and vegetables. The Ō’yō’·ṗ’ Food Pantry serves as an initial market for these locally grown teas, helping distribute traditional, healthy beverages to the community while offering producers a local sales channel. In its first year, 10 participants received raised garden beds, starter plants, and supplies, and were guided through workshops on gardening basics, traditional plant uses, and food safety. Moving forward, the program aims to build food sovereignty by fostering local food production, increasing gardening confidence, and ensuring knowledge is passed on to future generations.