Experiential education is the key to increased fruit and vegetable consumption among students! This component is designed to help schools introduce and get students excited about the unique and culturally-significant foods of Hawaiʻi. Included here are lessons, recipes, planting information, and other resources that support educators, food producers and distributors, and community organizations with promoting locally-sourced fruits and vegetables. These materials can be used in conjunction with other nutrition education and promotion programs such as the USDA Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program and SNAP-Ed.
Harvest of the Month Curriculum Alignment Guide
A spreadsheet containing grade-specific standards aligned lessons for various subjects for the Harvest of the Month crops, including English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, Culinary and ‘Ike Hawai‘i. Published by Hawai‘i Farm to School (a program of Hawai‘i Public Health Institute), this monthly e-newsletter highlights one featured crop each month from the HOM crop resource library, along with links to educational resources, recipes, and more! Sign up today!HOM E-Newsletter
HOM Calendar 2024-2025
- September - mīkana (papaya)
- October (Farm to School Month) - ʻuala (sweet potato)
- November - pala‘ai (pumpkin)
- December - ʻulu (breadfruit)
- January - kalo (taro)
- February - mai‘a (banana)
- March - ‘ohana ‘ālani (citrus)
- April - pea (avocado) + Special Edition: 'ulu flour
- May - pāpapa (green beans) + Special Edition: poi
Additional HOM Resources
How to Host a Harvest of the Month Event (Ho‘opili ‘Ai)
How to Host a Chef Visit (Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation)
Farm Field Trip Resource Guide (Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation)
Ho‘opili ‘Ai Program: Uniting Keiki & Hawai‘i Food Crops (Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative, UH CTAHR, HIPHI)
Tag #hawaiiharvestofthemonth and #hoopiliai when sharing about your HOM activities through social media!
HOM Local Crops Library
See also Fresh Choice Hawaiian Harvest (Kōkua Hawai‘i Foundation): Educational information for 22 local crops
Mahalo to the Harvest of the Month contributors!
Please visit their websites to learn more about additional resources and training for food education:
Kōkua Hawaiʻi Foundation
Farm to Keiki
FoodCorps Hawai‘i (special thanks to Service Members Lily Nguyen, Jeannae Flores, and Sam Ahern)
Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture, Hawai‘i Seasonality Chart