Members of CTAHR teamed up with volunteers from WCCHC, Kamehameha Schools, Sacred Hearts Church, and Hoa Aina O Makaha to do some good on the West side. At ‘Ohana Night at Wai‘anae Elementary, a nutrition outreach event coordinated with Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and Hawaii Foodbank, they were able to provide over 12,700 pounds of food, including 700 pounds of locally grown produce,to 581 community members in need of sustenance!
Monica Esquivel and the dietetics program showed the attendees how to make the most out of their food basket ingredients. The evening’s menu and nutrition education showcased an egg foo young recipe that incorporated the foods that families would receive into a meal. CTAHR students Cherese Shelton and Kim Lucas shared tips with families on how to incorporate locally grown vegetables, like eggplant, into their dishes. Another student, Gemady Langfelder, helped to sort and pack the 12,000 pounds of food that was distributed. A special shout-out goes to Mark Ka‘aha‘aina, who cooked all the food to serve dinner to our community.
The next ‘Ohana Night is on Wednesday, May 29, at Makaha Elementary, so email Monica at monicake@hawaii.edu right away if you are interested in volunteering.