Newsletter 46 - December 2012
Aloha! This is a time of year when we pay special attention to our relationships with each other and to the natural world around us. In a world of mass production and marketing, it is easy to forget that our individual relationships are the foundation for true community health and resiliency. With superstores full of a seemingly endless supply of food, it is also easy to forget that our relationship to the environment is the foundation for healthy ecosystem functioning. In traditional cultures, each new generation is taught to give back more than it takes, to leave the environment and community better than when they arrived. Mahalo nui loa, Craig Elevitch and Pedro Tama EventsWednesday, November 28, 2012, 06:00pm - 08:00pm, South Hilo Saturday, December 01, 2012, 09:00am - 03:30pm, Kona Saturday, December 01, 2012, 09:00am - 12:00pm, Hamakua Monday, December 03, 2012, 05:30pm - 07:30pm, Hamakua Tuesday, December 04, 2012, 09:30am - 11:00am, North Kona Thursday, December 06, 2012, 09:00am, North Kona Saturday, December 08 -- Sunday, December 09, 2012, North Kona Monday, December 10, 2012, 06:00pm - 08:00pm, Hamakua Tuesday, December 11, 2012, 06:00pm - 08:00pm, Hilo Sunday, December 16, 2012, 02:00pm - 08:00pm, South Kona Monday, December 17, 2012, 07:00pm - 09:00pm, North Kona Sunday, December 30, 2012, 02:00pm - 05:00pm, Hilo Saturday, January 19 -- Sunday, March 31, 2013, Oahu ReportsMatt Thoman, Kitchen Manager, and Krista Donaldson, Sustainability Supervisor Kona Brewing Company was founded in 1993 by father and son team Cameron Healy and Spoon Khalsa with the philosophy of “living aloha.” Their company has grown to become the 13th largest craft brewery in the U.S. and their Kailua-Kona restaurant alone reaches $3.5 million dollars in gross revenue per year. With a policy of providing quality food and supporting the local community, about 65% of their produce comes from local sources. “To reach our sustainability goals, we can’t just rest on our successes. We are constantly looking for new produce sources and ways to innovate,” says Matt Thoman, kitchen manager.
I was recently invited to attend a Farmers & Chef Symposium and Lunch held at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Ka'upulehu in North Kona. This is the 3rd Annual event of its kind held at the hotel and serves as a way for Executive Chef James Babian and his staff to show their appreciation to the farmers, fishermen and other local purveyors who are the source of most of the food served by the hotel. The event started with a welcome from Robert Whitfield, General Manager, and Chef Jim then introduced several key people in the hotel's Food & Beverage Department.
Based on West Hawaii Today Food Ads from Sept. 2011 to Sept. 2012From 2009 to 2012 I have tracked the weekly food ads to discern any trends or major changes in the percentages of local produce to imported produce advertised in West Hawaii Today. The Big Island stores monitored include: KTA, Choice Mart, Foodland and Safeway. Announcements26 November 2012 Significant changes will be implemented to make Hawaii's food safer. Changes will affect every food business in Hawaii, from food manufacturers to food establishments where food is prepared, stored, transported, or served. New and more frequent inspections, new fee structure, and web based food safety inspection program. To see important workshop information, Click Here.
08 November 2012 Only $25 for entire 12-week course! Call now to Register, 934-2700. Dates: November 10th 2012 – February 12 2013, Times: 05:00pm—09:00pm (Tues), 09:00am—01:00pm (Sat) Preparing a successful Business Plan can pay off! This course includes; business plan development training, site visits to working agriculture-related businesses, an introduction to resources, and speakers to inspire existing or aspiring farmers. For more information Click Here 24 November 2012 Starting in the Hāmākua region of Hawai‘i Island, The Koala Center, in partnership with several local government agencies and academic institutions, will recruit, train, and support at least 40 new farmers over the next two years. The program will also help these new farmers develop business plans, secure farm leases, gain access to farm equipment and materials, and successfully produce, market, and distribute their crops. As part of this program there is a training site in Honoka‘a that will be used to teach successful farming practices. For information and application, Click here 14 November 2012 We're back at Amy Greenwell Garden! South Kona Green Market, Sundays, 9-2, Grand Opening Sun., Nov. 25th Great local fruit and vegetables, arts and crafts, live music, hot food, and One Island's green living showcase. Find us near the front entrance, every Sunday. In Captain Cook, at the Amy B. Greenwell Ethnobotanic Garden. Support our local farmers and producers! Other announcementsFarmers' Markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)Visit our comprehensive directory of Hawai'i Island farmers' markets and Community Supported Agricuture.
Web ResourcesThis month's web site listings
Supporting OrganizationsSponsorsHawai'i People's Fund and the Hawai'i Community Foundation Founding sponsorsHawai'i County Resource Center, a program of the County of Hawai'i Department of Research and Development. Hawaii Agricultural Development Program in partnership with the Big Island RC&D Council. SubscriptionsNew subscribers: Subscriptions to this newsletter are free and welcome from the general public. You can unsubscribe at any time. We will not share your name with anyone without your prior permission. Click here to subscribe This newsletter is published by:Hawai'i Homegrown Food Network
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