Spring 2026 Newsletter
Crops Grown By & Supporting Malungeni Residents
Times are a changin' in Malungeni, South Africa. For 25 years, Arm in Arm in Africa has purchased and delivered large parcels of food -- designed to feed a household for up to 3 months. Those food distributions continue quarterly to support the households chosen as most in need by their neighbors. But now, family gardens are also flourishing and bringing employment and empowerment to residents.
AIAIA's Food Production program launched in 2025 in partnership with INMED, a South African non-profit humanitarian development organization, and showing promising results. Currently, 20 young people are producing 300-400 cabbages on land that was vacant just two years ago. "This initiative has brought hope and proof to the village," explained Spiwo Xapile, longtime AIAIA Board member and Mlaungeni native. "We have had 100% participation levels by the growers." Mamela Njingolo, recently hired by Arm in Arm as a contractor to oversee its Food, Healthcare, and Education programming, is leading a local team that is establishing bank accounts and determining revenue sharing among workers and residents.
"Our Food Production program is a great example of our shift from only 'gifting' food to 'growing' food," said Ed Luterbach, Arm in Arm's Board Chair. "We're empowering local residents to overcome food scarcity," Luterbach serves on Arm in Arm's Food Production team, led by Mary O'Meara, former General Mills executive; Unathi Sihlahla, INMED Country Director; Chidi Chidozie, University of Minnesota Master Gardener; Mark Zweber, former delegate and land developer, and Pat Dawson, AIAIA Executive Director.
Arm in Arm also has expanded its food Production program into Nieu Bethesda, a remote village in the Central Cape with high unemployment. But Nieu Bethesda also has the arid land ideal for growing saffron, one of the world's most lucrative crops. "We planted 25,000 corms in our first crop and they produced 21,000 flowers," Shilahla said. "We raised 200,000R (about $12,000 USD) from this first crop. Our goal is to raise 5-6 times that much within two years."
Our Summer Celebration
Is Moving To St Joan of Arc!
Arm in Arm is thrilled to announce that its annual Summer Celebration is moving to the air conditioned comfort of the St. Joan's gym. Mark your calendar now for an evening full of celebration, food, and music on Monday, July 13, at 6p.m. Andrew Walesch and his Orchestra will return by popular demand. Complete details will follow in the next few weeks.
Jim Cassidy in the News
Jim Cassidy, our beloved co-founder and Parochial Vicar a St. Joan of Arc, was featured in news stories twice recently regarding the presence of ICE in the Twin Cities. His interview with Anderson Cooper and xxx appeared on CNN's Town Hall on January 28. He also gave Ted Canova, former WCCO News Director, an extensive interview on Ted's Front Porch Movement podcast. Look for Episode 10 wherever you access podcasts.
New Faces Helping Lead AIAIA
Arm in Arm recently filled 3 key roles with outstanding individuals We elected two new Board members:
Varkey George, born in Kerala, India, is a recognized South African non-profit leader in Social Entrepreneurship in rural and urban South Africa He has founded initiatives around job creation, education, and enhancing growth and financial independence of non-profit funding.
Greg Freitag is a retired MInneapolis attorney and experienced non-profit Board member. He is a graduate of Macalester College and the University of Chicago Law School. His non-profit work includes People Serving People and the HealthEast Care System Foundation.
We also hired Mamela Njingolo as our first Community Coordinator of programming in Malungeni. Memala has volunteered with Arm in Arm food projects and has a background in executive administration.
Puliot Art Show to Benefit AIAIA
Ted Puliot, long-time SJA Parishioner and a prodigious painter at age 92, is hosting an art show on Saturday, May 2 to support Arm in Arm in Africa. More than 175 paintings will be on display for sale that day at Puliots home studio, located at 2157 Overlook Drive in Bloomington. The show will run from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
Artwork may be purchased by cash, check or credit card. Puliot has generously pledged 85% of the proceeds at Arm in Arm in Africa. Those funds will be used to support AIAIA's new microlending program will empower young artists and entrepreneurs to launch their business dreams.
