Our Waipā afterschool program keiki are experiencing farm-to-table first hand this year. A major component of our after school program is gardening. Each keiki (or ‘ohana) has their own garden plot and has been working hard each week to prep, plant, maintain, and harvest an abundance of veggies. Some of the veggies they have been growing and taking home are: kale, lettuce, beets, carrots, cabbage, cilantro, string beans, and green onions.

We are thrilled with the excitement and enthusiasm the keiki show in taking responsibility for their own garden plots, and the sense of pride they feel in being able to provide their ‘ohana with fresh veggies each week. There is definitely a huge difference in how much effort they put into the garden, when it is their own. Not to mention, the tendencies they have to actually eat and enjoy veggies when they grow them themselves.

These keiki are also learning the invaluable lesson that you get back what you put in, as those who take the extra time to weed and malama their garden, end up with the healthiest, most vibrant and abundant produce.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to work with these keiki and do and share the things we love and believe in. A big shout out to Hau’oli Mau Loa foundation for providing us with the funding and opportunity to work with these amazing keiki.

Pictured, above:

Jayda, Mahea, Helena and Kaena planting their lettuce; Jaden, Kama, Keale and Gracie walking back from the garden with their goods; washing veggies after our first harvest; sisters Helena and Kaena with their weekly bag of greens to take home.