The first event will be hosted from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, at the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park in Talo’fo’fo’ followed by subsequent events at the same time and location on Sundays, June 14, July 12, and July 26.

Hotnu Heals is modeled after a program called Pizza4Producers developed by Washington State University Extension in partnership with the Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program. The program serves as a model for building community and reducing stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture. By fostering a supportive environment and encouraging dialog, Hotnu Heals joins Pizza4Producers in working to break the cycle of stress and isolation prevalent in the agricultural sector.

The name “Hotnu Heals” is based on the ancient CHamoru oven called a hotnu and symbolizes healing of the mind, as it was traditionally used to bring communities together through cooking. The name reflects a deep cultural significance grounded in the traditions, values, and identity of the Mariana Islands and the CHamoru people.

“The goal of Hotnu Heals is to create a safe and meaningful space where our farmers and community members can come together, share stories, share challenges, and support one another while connecting through local food and culture,” said Kuan-Ju Chen, an agricultural economist with UOG Land Grant and project director of UOG Farmer Focus.

Each event will include a demonstration of hotnu preparation and cooking techniques by Tony Mantanoña, cultural officer at the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park, and the team from the Sagan Kotturan CHamoru Cultural Center. Attendees will then take part in preparing and sharing a meal using the hotnu while engaging in a guided discussion on community care and resilience and the challenges farmers are facing.

“At the Valley of the Latte, we believe in reconnecting people with the land, culture, and each other,” Mantanoña said.

Valley of the Latte Director David Tydingco added, “Our hope is that this program brings farmers together in a way that strengthens both their community and connection to culture. Through food, storytelling, and shared experiences, we can create spaces for healing and connection.”

The Hotnu Heals events are free for farmers and their families to attend but do require pre-registration. Those interested can register at https://url.uog.edu/hotnu-heals. For more information, contact Devin Santos at santosd15571@triton.uog.edu.

About UOG Farmer Focus

Farmer Focus is a program of the University of Guam Land Grant Extension Service that researches the lives of farmers in Pacific region and coordinates outreach and education efforts to alleviate their stress and enhance their well-being. The program is a sub-grantee of the USDA-funded Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program at Washington State University.

About University of Guam Land Grant

The University of Guam Land Grant system provides instruction, research, and community outreach specific to agriculture, food, natural resources, nutrition, and consumer science in order to improve life in Guam and Micronesia. Its two Land Grant units include the agInnovation Research Center and the UOG Extension Service, which operate within the College of Natural & Applied Sciences. The University of Guam was designated an “1862 Land Grant University” in 1972 and is part of a network of 106 Land Grant institutions nationwide supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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