Hawaiʻi Island School Gardens Network

On Hawaiʻi Island there is a growing commitment to food self-reliance and land stewardship that promotes sustainable island communities. An Island of Hawaiʻi food system report prepared by the Rocky Mountain Institute in 2007 identifies the development and promotion of school gardens as an initiative that can substantially contribute to the development of a strong local food economy while providing youth with increased opportunities for health-promoting exercise and nutrition.

The goal of the Hawaiʻi Island School Gardens Network (HISGN) is to help island schools build gardening and agricultural programs that will significantly contribute to the increased consumption of locally produced food by involving students, their school communities, and their family networks in food production.

We began work in September 2007. Currently, we work with over 35 public, charter, and private schools in assisting Garden Leaders, as well as school faculty and administration, in the creation and implementation of gardening and agricultural programs. Our work includes identification of funding opportunities and local agricultural resources, volunteer development, curriculum development, and professional development for our Garden Leaders. Networking opportunities and events bring this important work to the community.

The programs of HISGN create hands-on living laboratories for students to deepen their understanding of the sciences and nutrition, incorporating social studies, language arts, and math into meaningful learning activities in an outdoor setting. We welcome public contributions to our program in the form of funding, shared resources, and volunteer time at one of our programs.

For more information, please contact Program Director Nancy Redfeather at nredfeather@kohalacenter.org, or by calling 808-887-6411.