Strength, Food, Education Through funding from the FRTEP (Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program) the UCCE of Humboldt and Del Norte Counties works closely with residents of the Hoopa Valley to help build community through gardens, rodeos, youth programs, nutrition education, food preservation, education and support for farmers and ranchers, and traditional food programming. Here are highlights of more recent activities. Working with the Hoopa Valley: Hopes, Dreams and Desires Dorina M Espinoza, Youth, Families and Communities Advisor UCCE Humboldt/Del Norte Counties Healthy Food Systems Healthy Environments Healthy Communities Healthy Californians Nutrition, Youth Development Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program: Staff worked with Hoopa Valley Elementary School teachers and the California TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program to bring nutrition education to youth and adults. Positive Youth Development: In addition to Sources of Strength at the Middle and High School, 4-H staff brought science education, including food and soil science lessons, to the Hoopa Valley Elementary School. Sources of Strength Hoopa Valley high school and middle school students, teachers, counselors, and staff of local youth focused programs participated in two-days of Sources of Strength training. The students are peer leaders who dedicate time and energy to work with staff on cultivating an environment of gratitude and strength to mobilize the community to positively change. Their work compliments the existing Trauma Informed Movement at the schools. Through the power of strength, connection and hope the youth and their adult partners help to prevent suicide, violence, bullying and substance abuse. Traditional Foods Master Food Preserver program: Upon request from Tribal members, talks have begun to test safe preservation practices of traditional foods such as acorn mush, salmon, and deer meat. Food for Thought: Tribal community members throughout the counties will share their stories of traditional foods, culture, land and more through audio recordings. The stories will be aired on locations identified by Tribal communities, KHSU (local public radio station), UCCE Humboldt/Del Norte websites, and more. These activities will be hosted and produced by and are the result of a collaboration with the KHSU Food for Thought radio show.