'AINA In Schools (Actively Integrating Nutrition and Agriculture In Schools) is a Farm to School program aimed at connecting children to their land, waters, and food in order to grow a healthier future for Hawai'i. This program is currently in 5 public schools and is expanding this school year. We are inviting the community to join our 'AINA IN Schools team!

Description:
'AINA In Schools is a rapidly expanding initiative of the Kokua Hawai'i Foundation that focuses on bringing nutrition education, garden-based learning, environmental stewardship and healthy food choices to Hawaii's schools. Six integrated program components incorporating Hawai'i state academic standards are adapted by the participating schools to suit their unique environment and curriculum. These six components include: Nutrition Education: teaches students to make healthy choices that will last a life time. Garden-based Learning: reconnects students to the natural world by experiencing the joys of growing food. Agricultural Literacy: introduces students to where their food comes from and who grows it. Healthy School Lunch: puts 'AINA IS lessons into practice and provides a market for Hawai'i's farmers. Solid Waste Management: reduces, reuses and recycles waste in gardens, cafeterias and classrooms. Family and Community Outreach: raises awareness to support 'AINA IS at school and at home.

History:
With the support of teachers, parents and school administrators, 'AINA In Schools has just completed a two year pilot phase which began in the Fall of 2006. The pilot schools include, 'Aikahi Elementary, Makaha Elementary, Sunset Beach Elementary, Wai'alae Elementary PCS, and Wheeler Elementary. Each school has tailored the components of 'AINA IS to their school. We are currently adding select schools to 'AINA IS for the 2008-2009 school year.

Contact person: Kelly Perry, Volunteer Coordinator, (email)

Address:

P.O. Box 866 Haleiwa, HI 96712

Web Site: http://kokuahawaiifoundation.org