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Leno Center backs mesquite foraging festival, formalizes support and outreach plans
Summary
Board member Ryan Canu outlined plans for mesquite foraging hikes and a cultural food exchange in Laredo with dates in June and August; the Leno Center voted to support the festival, help with promotion and permit use of its logo, and organizers reported initial funding and pending grant applications.
The Leno Center for Urban and Agriculture Sustainability voted April 16 to support a proposed mesquite foraging festival aimed at promoting local foodways and creating community economic opportunities.
Ryan Canu, who presented the plan, described a sequence of foraging hikes and workshops in June and a larger cultural exchange and food event planned for Aug. 7–9. "Mesquite is an abundant, nutritious local resource — it's kind of sweet and spicy, so you can use it in pastries and tortillas," Canu said, describing plans to mill mesquite pods and distribute flour to the public.
Canu said organizers have secured $2,000 so far and are applying for additional funding, citing a $2,500 Humanities Texas grant application and a separate application for up to $5,000 through a First Nations grant. He said Adan's organization will serve as fiscal sponsor if needed and that partners such as Border Heritage and local vendors are interested in participating.
The board discussed logistics including foraging-safety guidance, food-safety testing for milled flour and first-aid precautions for participants. Market staff offered to host promotional tables and help vendors with labeling; members suggested linking the project to the fall Food Town initiative to expand visibility.
After discussion, the board made and passed a motion to support the event and allow the center's logo to appear on promotional materials. The motion passed with no recorded opposition.
The effort is positioned as a multi-year initiative: Canu said the team hopes to acquire a hammer mill next year to expand milling capacity, host more workshops and develop small-business opportunities for local harvesters and bakers. Organizers plan to return with finalized budgets and additional partner commitments at a future meeting.
