Maui School Garden Network Teaching Lessons in Food Security

Volunteer Jason Ross of Give Thanks planting seed for local Maui Schools. Photo Credit: Cadencia Photography

The Maui School Garden Network led by long time Maui resident, Lehn Huff, has been acquiring some serious volunteer help.

MSGN helps to facilitate most school gardens on Maui through information, donation, and volunteer support.

Recently over several work days local businesses including Pukalani ACE Hardware, The Maui Yoga Festival, Makai Glass, and Dance Church Maui have combined efforts to gather over 75 Maui residents to volunteer at the Maui School Garden Greenhouse in Kula.

Out of town Volunteer Kyera Dalesandro at the MSGN Kula Greenhouse. Photo Credit: Cadencia Photography

An anonymous Maui resident donated the large Greenhouse space and free water for a number of organic free plant starts that any Maui School Garden Program can apply for.

With the support of local businesses and farmers both Jason Eno and Dustan Hall maintain these greenhouses with the help of local volunteers.

You can find Lehn Huff and the MSGN at local events such as at the recent Maui County Ag Festival Educational Tent answering questions about agriculture, nutrition, and how to grow fruits and vegetables.

Chris Hoyte Maui Resident Celebrating a long work day. Photo Credit: Cadence Feeley, Cadencia Photography

Students construct growing wheels to take home at events like this so they can know when the best seasons are to plant their favorite fruits and vegetables.

The School Garden Network also gives away free seed packets and helps educate children about their Kuleana to develop a greater sense of food security for our Island as well as understanding of local nutrition in all of Maui County.

Huff has helped children grow their own food in sustainable school gardens and promotes a direct connection between local food producers and school food service providers for all K-12 schools, independent and public.

MSGN directly impacts over 42 School Gardens as they encourage Food Security and healthy lifestyles.

Those interested in volunteering or making a donation can contact [email protected] or call (808) 250-8323 for more information.

The next MSGN work day is on Sunday April 23, at Ka Hale A Ke Ola, Maui’s Homeless Shelter Garden, located at 670 Waiʻale Rd in Wailuku, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.