‘Same Canoe’ local food challenge to be launched

Nutritious, flavorful, Hawaii-grown food is in the spotlight during the “Same Canoe Local Food Challenge,” an ongoing project of One Island, a Big Island 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The Same Canoe campaign launches at two local food celebrations this month: Sunday at South Kona Green Market and Sept. 19 at the Hawi Farmers Market. Bringing together island food products and food-lovers with nutrition experts to share the practical wisdom of supporting sustainable agriculture, these interactive and flavorful food events are billed to be fun and educational for all ages.

The Same Canoe local food initiative encourages Hawaii residents to “Double It” by purchasing, growing and requesting local-grown foods when dining out. The name “Same Canoe” pays tribute to Hawaii’s original canoe crops, plants brought to the islands by Polynesian voyagers, and holds the lesson of the empowerment achieved when paddling together cooperatively. All in the ‘same canoe’ is also a potent reminder of our mutual interdependence as an island community and as members of the global community.

With a commitment to build sustainable communities, Same Canoe is hosting community action projects with film night, workshops and farm tour events. Current efforts include a pilot project that also provides matching local food coupons to 600 EBT/SNAP households in specific rural communities through sponsorship from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

For each $30 in grocery receipts showing EBT purchases of fresh produce, pre-enrolled households can receive a one-to-one match in local food coupons that will be redeemable at approved local food vendors, culinary and gardening classes, and farm tours for up to $120 in value. Signups are available for a limited time at the farmers market in Hawi, South Kona Green Market in Captain Cook and North Kona’s Sunset Market.

Same Canoe is also producing a new Local Food Coupon Book offering dining, gardening and wellness discounts for any island resident or visitor. A new way to buy more local and save on food, health and gardening costs this fall, the coupon book is a fundraiser for local school gardens and food, ag and wellness organizations. Savings include local grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, gift stores, wellness practitioners, farm/garden centers and farm tour discounts. The book will be available at the farmers markets and through local groups.

The two local food celebration launch parties invite the public to enjoy local foods and meet the farmers who provide them, listen to great music, and learn from Hawaii Island’s food, wellness and agriculture leaders.

At South Kona Green Market on Sunday, music will be by the Hawaiian trio Mauka Soul, and presenters include Councilwoman Maile David, Ken Love of Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers, Sonia Martinez, cookbook author, Dr. Corinne de Soto, ND, and representatives from Adaptations CSA and the Hoopomaikai Community Health Initiative.

In Hawi on Sept. 19, Councilwoman Margaret Wille, Chef Stephen Rouelle of Under the Bodhi Tree, Slow Foods, Dr. Hana Roberts, ND, Sonia Martinez cook and author, and representatives from Lokahi Garden Sanctuary are among the presenters, with music provided by David Gomes.

The island’s Food Basket is also a participant at both events and will feature its Da Box community supported agriculture (CSA) produce subscription box being delivered islandwide. The many voices of food and wellness presenters demonstrate how local foods strengthen the community, personal health and families’ overall well-being.

The celebrations welcome the entire community and people of all ages to come and enjoy the music, buy farmer-direct, sit down for breakfast or lunch selections, take home a locally crafted food, and learn more about the Same Canoe Local Food Challenge and the many values offered through the new Local Food Coupon Book.

For more information on the Same Canoe Local Food Challenge, visit oneisland.org.