Posted by Kat Mueller, Program Specialist, Western Regional Office (WRO), USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), Equitable Food and Nutrition, Nutrition Security
June 21, 2024
For many communities, SNAP-Education programs provide more than basic nutrition guidance. In Kaneohe, Honolulu, Hawaii, Luluku Farms' SNAP-Ed funded Aloha ʻĀina Agricultural Cultural Restoration Project uses ʻĀina (land) to preserve traditional crops and help the community become self-sufficient, while providing nutrition education and opportunities for keiki (children) to learn about cultural and traditional practices. The concept of fertile land that Aloha ʻĀina represents fosters community engagement, enhances cultural preservation, and improves nutrition security by increasing the community's access to culturally appropriate foods.
Keiki from local schools visit Ruruku Farm weekly to plant and harvest crops and learn how to prepare and preserve traditional foods such as kalo (taro). Project efforts also include community workshops demonstrating the proper use of tools needed to manually process starchy foods.
Earlier this year, my colleague Rachel Paige and I had the opportunity to accompany the Hawaii State Department of Human Resources (DHS) on a SNAP-Ed visit. The facility partners with 'Āina Momona, the Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH), and the University of Hawaii to strengthen nutritional security for families facing economic hardship while promoting food ownership and traditional food preparation methods.
On a tour led by program director, taro farmer and land manager Mark Paikle-Stride, we learned about the versatility of taro.
The leaves (luau) are used to make luau stew (which tastes similar to spinach) and the roots attached to the kalo (fulu-fulu) can be mashed to make poi (which tastes similar to potato) or grated and steamed to make hash.
Partnerships and project efforts aim to enrich the lives of the community, including continuing educational outreach and other social repair projects to provide education and resources to those in need. All outreach efforts prioritize family and community engagement. We are grateful to our SNAP-Ed partners in Hawaii for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to experience the great work Aloha ʻĀina does for our community with Aloha Spirit.
