Protecting Forests While Strengthening Food Security

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most important ecosystems on the planet — but even traditional foods can unintentionally contribute to its degradation. In parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon, an ancestral source of protein known as chontacuro (a palm weevil larva) is harvested by cutting down entire palm trees. These palms are critical carbon sinks and essential to biodiversity.

Ken Galeano, an Ecuadorian agricultural technician, is developing a sustainable alternative. His senior thesis research focuses on creating a controlled, self-sustaining production system for chontacuro — one that reduces palm deforestation while preserving an important Indigenous food tradition. The goal is not to replace ancestral practices, but to protect them by making production more sustainable.

We are raising an initial $2,000 to help Ken launch the first phase of his research. Your support will contribute directly to materials, controlled rearing systems, feed development using local agricultural by-products, and the scientific validation needed to make this model viable. This is a grassroots effort to connect conservation, food security, and innovation — from the ground up.

How Your Support Will Be Used

Your contributions will fund:

• Construction of a small-scale breeding structure
• Habitat containers and reproduction systems
• Development of sustainable feed formulations
• Field research to ethically capture breeding stock
• Scientific documentation and analysis
• Three months of pilot operation
• Community knowledge exchange

Goal: $2,000 by April 30 to launch Phase One.

A Note on This Campaign

This fundraiser is being hosted by Angie and Scott Drake of Not Your Average American, LLC in support of Ken Galeano’s senior thesis research on sustainable protein production in the Ecuadorian Amazon.

We believe deeply in community-led solutions, regenerative practices, and supporting young professionals who are building thoughtful alternatives from the ground up. When we saw the potential of Ken’s research to protect forests while strengthening food security, we wanted to help him get started.

Angie has worked with Ken over the past two years and have seen firsthand his commitment, professionalism, and deep respect for the communities he works with. She has full confidence in his ability to carry this research through to completion and to report transparently on the results.

We are not a 501(c)(3), and donations to this campaign are not tax-deductible. Funds raised will go directly toward Ken’s research expenses. A small portion may cover international transfer costs and fundraising platform fees if donors choose not to cover them at checkout.

We’re using GiveButter because it offers a more affordable and transparent platform for supporting grassroots projects like this one.

Thank you for being part of something practical, hopeful, and rooted in place.

Grow With Ken: Sustainable Protein in the Amazon

Protecting Forests While Strengthening Food Security

Team Members