"The ocean does not separate us. It connects us."
- Konai Helu Thaman
Beyond Colonialism
We are a resource and initiative fostering grassroots collaboration among women of the U.S. territories, our diaspora communities stateside, and food justice allies.
Together, we are working to end forced dependence, restore Indigenous and cultural practices grounded in community-building, and revive our peoples’ ability and right to grow food locally in American Samoa, Guåhan (Guam), the Northern Mariana Islands, Borikén (Puerto Rico), and the Virgin Islands (U.S.).
Across the water Alliance
Food sovereignty is about more than growing food, it's about self-determination, restoring a balance between local production and imports, and protecting culture.
We’re building an alliance that brings supportive diaspora energy to the table. Because U.S. Diaspora communities also feel and live the impact of conditions in the Islands — through health, financial, emotional or other pressures— our goal is to get more of us, from coast to coast, involved in the food sovereignty movement.
The future is already cooking: What can you do?
This movement cannot remain isolated on the islands alone. Explore how you – the diaspora and allies – can help.
What happens when boats don’t come?
Learn about the challenges in this video. Then move to the second video below to hear directly from women leading food sovereignty work across the Caribbean and Pacific.
What’s Cooking?
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Global Studies, University of California Irvine
Tiara Na’puti, global and international studies associate professor, studies issues of militarism and sovereignty in Micronesia, specifically Guåhan/Guam in the Mariana Islands archipelago.
Help raise $5,000 to support mutual aid in the Mariana Islands and relief after Super Typhoons Bavi and Sinlaku by donating to Relief for the Marianas fundraiser by Lauren Cabrera.
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Agroempresarias de Puerto Rico
Women-led nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening women in agriculture through education, networking, leadership development, and mutual support. The organization works to empower women farmers, ranchers, food producers, and agricultural entrepreneurs while advancing a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable agricultural sector across Puerto Rico.
Help us equip women farmers with climate resilience resources by supporting the purchase of emergency-response tools, educational programming, and leadership development opportunities.
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University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), Pacific Cancer Programs
Rica Dela Cruz, PhD MPH, is an assistant professor working with JABSOM's Pacific Cancer Programs. As a native Chamorro born and raised on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, her work is a deeply personal commitment to supporting the health and well-being of Pacific Island communities, with an extensive background in public health focusing on cancer prevention and nutrition among Pacific Islander populations.
Since 2015, at least 5 super typhoons directly hit the Mariana Islands. These disasters have disrupted healthcare services, damaged local food systems, and placed immense strain on families and critical infrastructure.
Contribute to the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance and Commonwealth Cancer Association to help strengthen community resilience by assisting local agencies, families, and patients who need ongoing support during typhoon preparedness and recovery.
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Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition
We are driven by our mission to cultivate a unique and nourishing food system for innovation, economic development, and agricultural growth in our territory.
More to Understand
How are diasporic communities affected by conditions in the US Island territories? Find articles, videos, and research that dig into the history and colonial policies shaping daily life across the U.S. and its territories.