One Island is working on a multi-initiative campaign with the goal of “Reclaiming our Local Food System’.
When we face the fact that in 1960, 80% of the food in Hawaii was locally grown but, by 2000, 80% was being imported, there is strong motivation to rebuild our local food production and distribution systems. Mainland rural communities, especially those in isolated rural areas face similar challenges and benefit from forming connections with other growers and market access points to help develop effective growth strategies. Our service areas have a strong agricultural heritage and both established and new farmers are working hard – and needing help – to reclaim their local food systems.
Where ever you live, local food is healthier, critical for building a local green economy, uses less petroleum for transportation, helps protect natural resources, and helps keep small farms in the hands of local families.
Grow Local, Buy Local, Eat Local!
Learn more about One Island’s local food campaigns in Hawaii:
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
The Green School : How to Grow It / Make It – Farm, Garden and Wellness Workshops and Farm Tours hosted by One Island. See current newsletter for events, and the archive of past events.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
Same Canoe Local Food Challenge a Double It! campaign that connected families and farmers
Farmers’ Markets – see us for special events Sundays at the South Kona Green Market in Captain Cook, at the Hawi Farmers’ Market in North Kohala, and at Hamakua Harvest in Honoka’a
Local Food Events – Farm to Fork Picnics with guest chefs, Five Chocolate Chocolate! events have promoted locally grown and made Chocolate and chocolate-themed meals. Fruit Lovers Festival featured exotic fruit collector / presenters from Hawaii and Colombia. Others: Butterfly Pancake Breakfast celebrating Pollinators. Community Potlucks. Youth Camp farm-to-fork lunches.
PAST ACTIVITIES
No Fruit Left Behind our innovative gleaning project
Same Canoe Community Gardens funded 144 gardens in West Hawaii at local schools, non-profits, senior centers and neighborhoods
Food System Projects serving the Pacific North West – California, Washington and Hawaii:
Turtle Island Farm Alliance – linking small rural teaching farms
Turtle Island Farmers’ Market Alliance – connecting markets in remote, rural coastal areas
