ZUNI, NM (May 1, 2024) — This year, Newman’s Own has unveiled a new series of pizza boxes that share the stories of the young people it has supported through its philanthropy. Zuni Youth Enrichment Project participant Calista Hannaweekea appears on one of those boxes.
According to ZYEP Executive Director Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, when Newman’s Own reached out with the opportunity to feature a Zuni youth, she and her team immediately thought of Hannaweekea, 11.
“Newman’s Own was searching for young people who could help spread the word about the importance of nutrition and community empowerment, and our former food sovereignty coordinator, Jessica Quinlan, recommended Calista,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “We have always seen her as a youth advocate, so we are thrilled to see her be able to share her story at the national level like this.”
Hannaweekea and her family have taken part in a variety of ZYEP programs. She also served as ZYEP’s youth representative at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture of Health Prize event last year, attending the national award ceremony.
The Pueblo of Zuni was one of nine communities chosen to receive the 2023 RWJF Culture of Health Prize. The prize celebrates communities across the country where people and organizations are collaborating to build solutions to barriers that have created unequal opportunities for health and well-being, and Natachu-Eriacho said Hannaweekea was the right choice to be youth representative.
“Calista really developed her leadership through food sovereignty,” she explained. “Gardening is near and dear to her heart, and when she has an opportunity to speak about Zuni food sovereignty, she jumps at it. When Newman’s Own came to Zuni for a day, Calista showed them around and educated them. She was incredible.”
Hannaweekea first got involved with ZYEP through its annual Summer Camp when she was just 8 years old. She learned to garden from her grandfather and from the nonprofit youth project, which incorporates food sovereignty activities in its youth programming and conducts gardening-related events and workshops throughout each growing season.
“What motivates me to farm and garden is to grow crops and get fresh air,” Hannaweekea told ZYEP staff during a previous growing season. “My experience with ZYEP was awesome. You get to grow your own crops with your family.”
This proud Shiwi (Zuni) farmer enjoys growing tomatoes, watermelon, cucumbers and cilantro. She also attends cooking classes, where she is learning to make traditional Zuni foods.
“We’re so proud to see Calista on the Newman’s Own pizza box, and we appreciate this remarkable opportunity to share the work we are doing here in Zuni,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “We are grateful to Newman’s Own, not only because they have been such an important supporter of ours, but also because we know that funds generated through Newman’s Own purchases directly benefit so many other nonprofit organizations that are doing important work in their own communities.”
When Newman’s Own first began in 1982, founder Paul Newman wanted 100 percent of its profits to benefit good causes. That mission continues through Newman’s Own Foundation, which has donated more than $600 million over 42 years. To read Calista’s story on the Newman’s Own website, visit https://newmansown.org/stories/patience-for-plants-and-people/.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
