Is Early Los Angeles a Model for Food and Agriculture in Hawaii?

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October 11, 2020 (Honolulu Civil Beat)—I’ve been thinking a lot about food lately, and I’m pretty sure that you have been too. The pandemic has shown us how quickly everything can change and reminded us of the risks of having all of our eggs in one basket.

I’ve been watching prices rise at my local supermarket. I’ve been witnessing climate changes and disruptions in global supply chains. I’ve been thinking about the fact that 90% of Hawaii’s food comes from outside of the islands and wondering how much longer that system will survive.

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Food For Thought: Hawai‘i’s Public School Lunches Are Changing in a Big Way

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May 30, 2019 (Honolulu Magazine)—Beef stew with ‘ulu, chicken burgers made from scratch and classic kālua pork with cabbage: These dishes sound like they came off the menus of local neighborhood restaurants. Instead, they’re winning students’ hearts (and stomachs) at Mililani High School, thanks to an ambitious initiative called the ‘Aina Pono: Farm to School Program.

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A Boost for Young, Diverse Farmers

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The Atlantic (December 16, 2018)—The average American farmer, according to the most recent United States Department of Agriculture data, is white, male, and 58 years old. Just 8 percent of America’s 2.1 million farmers identify as anything other than non-Hispanic white; only 14 percent are women. And as the average age of American farmers has risen over the past 30 years, the federal government has taken small steps to address a situation that if left unaddressed, would almost certainly prove to be a crisis for American agriculture and the American food supply.

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Enrollment open for Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program

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September 24, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—Do you have an interest in learning how to farm but aren’t sure where to start? A great way to see if agriculture might be right for you is through The Kohala Center’s Beginning Farmer-Rancher Development Program.

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Good news for Hawaii from Washington, D.C.: Three programs adopted to bring fresh, healthy produce to high-need residents

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September 24, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—As of late, it isn’t often the words in this article’s title are true, but good news indeed came from the nation’s capital last month that directly impacts the quality of life for several thousand people on Hawaii Island.

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Column: From farm to school cafeteria, building a food-secure Hawaii

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September 13, 2018 (Honolulu Star-Advertiser)—During preparations for Hurricane Lane recently, Hawaii was ordered to close its waters to cargo ships and all incoming vessels. Moments like this remind Hawaii of its dependence on imported food. Approximately 85 percent of our food is grown on the mainland or abroad and we have only weeks of food available if our ports ever close.

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Honokaa seed exchange and potluck set for Sunday

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April 23, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—Attendees will share seeds and stories with farmers and gardeners while enjoying music and a potluck lunch open to the public from noon-4 p.m. this Sunday at Hawaiian Cultural Center of Hamakua in Honokaa. The event is presented by Honokaa Seed Exchange in collaboration with The Kohala Center and Hawaii Seed Growers Network.

Hawaii Seed Growers Network members will present local seed initiatives, and sell locally adapted seed. The event is free to attend and registration is not required.

Info: Contact Zoe Kosmas at honokaaseedexchange@gmail.com.

Big Island ‘Aina Pono Farm-to-School Pilot Program Expands

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March 29, 2018 (BigIslandNow.com)—Students at Mililani High School on O‘ahu celebrated the state’s ongoing ‘Aina Pono Farm to School Program on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Nearly 3,000 meals are prepared in the school cafeteria and also delivered to the students at Mililani Uka and Mililani Waena Elementary Schools.

 The program launched in the Kohala School complex on the Big Island, where the school cafeteria became more efficient by reducing and replacing canned, processed food with fresh, locally-grown fruits, vegetables and beef.
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High School Sustainable Agriculture Program

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February 22, 2018 (BigIslandNow.com)—The Kohala Center is offering two outdoor-education programs for Hawai‘i Island high school students during the public school spring intersession, Monday through Friday, March 19 to 23, 2018. Participants who successfully complete the weeklong programs are eligible to receive a $125 to $250 stipend in the form of a VISA gift card to commend their dedication to natural resource college, career, and community pathways.
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New website offers local seeds for local needs: Hawaii-grown seeds specifically adapted for islands’ small farms and home gardens

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January 15, 2018 (West Hawaii Today)—Small-scale farmers and home gardeners in Hawaii now have an additional option for purchasing locally produced seeds.

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