By Erica Garza

The Maui School Garden Network supports sustainability-focused projects for students across the island.

The Maui School Garden Network, created and coordinated by Lehn Huff, supports sustainability-focused projects for students across the island. The network also promotes vital information on nutrition and growing food locally. Involving over 40 county schools, public and private, students from pre-school age to high school are educated with a hands-on approach that is at once fun and invaluable for the community.

Huff, who started and headed the Middle School at Seabury Hall for 20 years until her retirement in 2008, has since devoted much of her time as a volunteer for a number of causes. Her work has covered mentoring young educators, supporting women in developing countries, and food and energy sustainability issues. The Maui School Garden Network came about because it combined the efforts of young people with the precious environment of Maui, two of Huff’s passions.

The Maui School Garden Network recently launched a website, which highlights fundraising, a list of schools involved in the program, the basics of gardening, and information on current projects and sponsorships.

Just last week, local chefs Brian Etheredge of Capische Restaurant and Dan Fiske of PrivateMauiChef.com, signed on as major sponsors of the Kihei Elementary School Garden. Their sponsorships will help supplement other funds to purchase garden materials and support a part-time school garden coordinator position.

Maui Now covers the latest food news and events throughout the island and appreciates suggestions. Please send tips or feedback to erica@mauinow.com.