Hawai‘i Harvest of the Month (HOM)

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 Planting Calendar

A spreadsheet outlining ideal planting and harvesting months (along with Hawaiian moon phases), days to maturity, propagation methods, and climate requirements for the Harvest of the Month crops.

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.

HOM E-Newsletter

Published by the Hawai‘i Farm to School Hui (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!

Sign Up for the HOM E-Newsletter

HOM Annual Calendar

  • September - ʻuala (sweet potato)
  • October (Farm to School Month) - ʻulu (breadfruit)
  • November - pala‘ai (pumpkin)
  • December - kalo (taro)
  • January - ‘ohana ‘ālani (citrus)
  • February - mīkana (papaya)
  • March - pea (avocado)
  • April - pāpapa (green beans)
  • May - mai‘a (banana)

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)

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