Lots of Learning at 4th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference

Our Program Director and Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator for ‘AINA In Schools just returned from a great conference: Going the Distance & Shortening It, the 4th National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in Portland, Oregon. They got to meet farm to school advocates from throughout the U.S., along with representatives from Canada. On their first day, they toured Abernathy Elementary School’s gardens and ate a delicious school lunch made entirely from scratch. They also participated in trainings on program evaluation, workshops on school gardens and using online social networking, and more.

As state-level representatives to the national farm to school network, our Kokua staff presented an update of progress on farm to school in Hawai’i and got to hear about what’s happening in other western states as well. Oregon has some big news—last year the state passed legislation to start a state farm to school program and have a full-time position in the Department of Education focused on farm to school!

One of the highlights of the conference was meeting Dr. Susan Rubin, founder of Better School Food. She provides resources to parents seeking to improve school food for their children. We know that’s a hot topic for many of you, so check out her site!

To learn more about the national farm to school movement and get access to excellent resources on farm to school, go to www.FarmToSchool.org.

The White House has an Organic Kitchen Garden!

First Lady Michelle Obama has emphasized the need for fresh, unprocessed, locally grown food; on the Vernal Equinox, those words were put to action. Schoolchildren from Washington D.C.‘s Bancroft Elementary joined the First Lady and helped her dig up the soil for the 1,100-square-foot plot. The last time a victory garden was planted at the White House was by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt in 1943. The organic garden’s most important role, Mrs. Obama told The New York Times, is to educate children about healthful, locally grown fruit and vegetables at a time when obesity and diabetes have become a national concern. Here are some of the fresh items the Obamas will have growing: cilantro, tomatillos, hot peppers, a variety of lettuce, spinach, chard, collards, black kale, and berries. There will also be honey! Check out a map of the garden to see what else is growing on!

Last month we asked you to support an Organic Garden at the White House. Thank you! We also asked you to identify a landscape near and transform your own yard, community, or schoolyard. Our call to action still stands. This month, we encourage you to dig your hands into the earth, plant a small garden or expand on an existing garden to commemorate this monumental event! 

Mahalo to Kokua Calendar Participants

In January, we announced our annual Kokua Calendar contest. This year’s contest added an element of service to the community. Contestants were asked to organize a beach clean up and use the found objects to create a piece of art! Mahalo to the following groups who pitched in to rid our beaches of plastic and trash:
• Iroquois Point Elementary, Ms. Lariscy’s & Ms. Rahaim’s classes – gr. 6
• Kamehemeha Pre School, Aunty Tanya’s class – Hale’iwa
• Keone’ula Elementary, Ms. Coffin’s class – gr. 6
• Kohala High School, National Honor Society
• Mironesco-McHale Family
• Mokapu Elementary, Ms. Johnson’s class – gr. 2
• Sunset Beach Elementary, Ms. Burke, Ms.Johnson, & Ms. Keohohou – K

Check out the winning art selections in the 2009-2010 Kokua Calendar. Calendars will be available for sale in the Kokua Store this summer! Proceeds of calendar sales will help fund Kokua Hawai’i Foundation programs:  ‘AINA In Schools, 3R’s, Environmental Field Trips, Environmental Education Mini-grants, and Kokua Earth Action Projects (KEAP).

Kokua Festival 2008 Rebroadcast on HDNet

Although we will not be holding the Kokua Festival in 2009, you can view Jack’s set from the 2008 Kokua festival on March 8th at 5 pm EST on HDNet.

The performance featured guest appearances from Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, Mason Jennings and Paula Fuga.

To check out a clip from the show click here .

The Kokua Festival is the major fundraiser for Kokua Hawai’i Foundation programs.  Hosted by Jack Johnson, the Kokua Festival brings together environmental organizations, eco-friendly businesses, musicians, artists, teachers, and community leaders to support environmental educaiton in Hawai’i.  All festival proceeds benefit the Kokua Hawai’i Foundation.  For more information visit KokuaFestival.com.

If you are unsure if HDnet is available in your area, check here .

Herb Sale at ‘Aikahi Elementary

Students of ‘Aikahi Elementary Garden Club, parents, & community volunteers held an herb sale on Saturday, February 7th. The kids were very proud and worked hard harvesting the herbs from the school garden, bagging, and labeling their products. Colorful painted signs and the enthusiasm to sell set the tone for a sure success! The students greeted customers and also served as cashiers. Garden Club Advisor Wendy Rosen reports that it was a fun time for everyone. The funds raised were donated to the school’s Playground Fund. Way to go ‘Aikahi!