Press Releases: Hawaii
November 17, 2011
Students and Volunteers with Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation and Kaiser Permanente Plant Legacy Orchard at ‘Aikahi Elementary
HONOLULU — More than 500 students, teachers and volunteers with Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation and Kaiser Permanente Hawaii today planted a Legacy Orchard at ‘Aikahi Elementary to commemorate the school’s focus on farm-to-school education. The Legacy Orchard is a partnership between Kaiser Permanente and Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation and its ‘AINA in Schools farm-to-school program, supporting environmental education in local schools and communities, and connecting children to their land, waters and food in order to grow a healthier future for Hawaii.
“Today’s dedication of ‘Aikahi Elementary’s Legacy Orchard is a testament to its students, faculty, administration and the school’s community in taking an active and conscious role in improving student health and raising academic achievement,” said Joy Barua, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii’s director of Community Benefit. “As a champion of healthy eating, active lifestyles and healthy communities, we would like to recognize Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation and its initiatives to foster healthy eating habits, encourage environmental stewardship, and support a healthy local food system, and are proud to partner with them.”
Each grade level, K-6, at ‘Aikahi Elementary planted a tree to create the school’s Legacy Orchard, serving as a tangible symbol of the school community’s commitment to being a green school and providing a healthy, whole-child education that connects to the environment. The day’s activities also included a tour of the 16 on-campus ‘AINA in Schools garden beds, a Healthy Choice Salad Bar lunch, and a performance by musician Jack Johnson, who co-founded the Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation in 2003 with his wife Kim Johnson.
“‘Aikahi Elementary was one of five public schools to pilot our ‘AINA in Schools program in 2006 and, with the help of the school’s administration, staff and parent and community volunteers, has become a shining example of a successful farm-to-school program in Hawaii,” said Natalie McKinney, director of Program Development for Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation.
‘AINA stands for Actively Integrating Nutrition and Agriculture in Schools. The program currently partners with several public elementary schools on the island of Oahu: Ahuimanu, ‘Aikahi, Ala Wqaik, Kainalu, Ke Kula O Kamakau, La‘ie, Makaha, Wai‘alae, Waialua, Waikiki, Wheeler and Sunset Beach.
All grade levels at ‘Aikahi Elementary are engaged in ‘AINA in Schools programming. In addition to garden-based learning, innovative nutrition lessons, and waste reduction initiatives. ‘Aikahi was the first school in Hawaii to offer a Fresh Choice Salad Bar in its cafeteria. The school also offers a Garden Club, a weekly afterschool program that provides students the opportunity to help to maintain the school’s garden beds and compost system, and planting and tending crops to harvest and take home or sell to the school community.
About Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation
Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports environmental education in the schools and communities of Hawai'i. Their mission is to provide students with experiences that will enhance their appreciation for and understanding of their environment so they will be lifelong stewards of the earth. They support hands-on learning activities that engage children’s senses and make lasting impressions on their minds. Kōkua Hawai’i Foundation believes our keiki are the seeds of change to preserving and protecting our beautiful islands. Visit www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org to become a member, volunteer, or learn more about their programs.
About Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided total health to the people of Hawaii for more than 50 years. Care for members is focused on their total health being guided by their personal physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Expert care and medical teams are supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Its physicians are members of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, the largest and most experienced multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to careinnovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. Visit kp.org for additional information.
