`AINA In Schools

'AINA In Schools, a program of the Kokua Hawaii Foundation. Aikahi Elementary is one of 10 'AINA IS schools working to connect students to their land, waters and food. The success and growth of 'AINA IS at Aikahi Elem. is due to the school's administration, staff, and parent and community volunteers who support the garden based learning, innovative nutrition lessons, Fresh Choices salad bar, and waste reduction through recycling and worms!

'AINA In Schools at Aikahi is off to a great start this school year. Last week a group of new and returning parent and community volunteers attended a nutrition docent training, lead by Deanna Moncrief the 'AINA In Schools Nutritionist. These parents are eager to share with the 2nd gr. and 6th grade students at Aikahi the Hawai'i Food Guide, how to make a nutritious poi smoothie with an ingredient from each category of the food guide, why whole grains are so important for our bodies, and how and why to read food labels.

The 'AINA nutrition lessons are complimented by the garden lessons. The garden party to prepare the gardens for the student's planting, was well attended by many Aikahi families, principal Gay Kong, supportive volunteers from the community, and special guest Congresswomen Maize Hirono. The Kindergarden, 1st grade and 5th grade gardens were weeded, amended, and mulched in preparation for their lessons.

In addition to the gardens and nutrition, 'AINA In Schools is also making connections between it's components with Fresh choices in the Cafeteria reinforcing the nutrition lessons, and waste reduction in the classrooms through recycling, and dedicated volunteer Pauline Jacroux, educating students about recycling with worms.

To learn more about this program and how to get involved at Aikahi contact PCNC Amy Solomon, or Wendy Rosen the Garden Educator 220-5691, or Louella Van Osdol the Nutrition Educator. Or visit the our website at www.kokuahawaiifoundation.org/aina