CEIBA
Farmer-companions will assist with physical labor, coordinating support, harvesting, and other identified agricultural tasks. In addition to this physical support, the program includes artistic documentation of our elders' knowledge to produce educational materials, helping preserve this agro-cultural legacy.
Through this program, El Departamento de la Comida seeks to strengthen relationships with elder farmers and artisans while building intergenerational bonds for the exchange of agro-cultural knowledge and practices. We aim to provide the support requested by these master farmers, pairing them with passionate, skilled companions who have prior growing experience—ensuring the wellbeing of these projects, the elders, and their extended families.
- El Departamento de la Comida provides a stipend to each project's companion.
- At the start of each season, the companion, El Depa's Coordinator, and each project's elder(s) meet in person to plan tasks and next steps.
- Throughout the season, each companion uploads documentation, communicates weekly with El Depa's Coordinator, and shares updates, progress, needs, and achievements. Companions also share material, tool, and brigade needs so El Depa can provide support when resources allow.
- At the end of the season, the companion, El Depa's Coordinator, and each project's elder(s) meet again in person at El Depa to close out agreements, complete self-evaluations, and share achievements, lessons, challenges, and a healthy meal together.
- At the end of the season, each companion and project submits an Evaluation Report.