2/18/26
Four students and Prof. Tsuchiya from the Hiroshima Jogakuin University Department of Nutrition and Health, have joined us in Hawaii this year for their annual study tour. This year we visited Jefferson Elementary school, located next to the Honolulu Zoo in Waikiki. At the school, we had a taste of their lunch service, and toured the flower beds where each of the grades were growing different plants in. There were green onions, mini tomatoes, and notably, Manoa lettuce and taro plants being grown using aquaponics and hydroponics with professional assistance.
Staff members of the Hawaii State Department of Education’s School Food Services who accompanied us explained to us about the statewide “Farm to School” project, which promotes local production for local consumption. The school lunch regularly includes such Hawaii grown produce as part of its menu.
