The goal of Kalo to Kula is to ensure that kalo continues to reclaim its rightful place in our daily island food culture, by developing appreciation in youth and bringing kalo into schools through:
- field trips to kalo farms,
- student-led projects with kalo product samples,
- a USDA compliant recipe book, and
- cafeteria staff & teacher trainings.
We’re also supporting Kaua‘i based kalo farmers through product purchasing, network development, sharing needs with industry representatives, grant programs, and more!
Kalo Farm Field Trips
For our Kalo Farm Field Trip Grants, we are distributing a total of $10,000 in funds for students to visit participating kalo farms in SY 24-25! Some details:
- Field trips should include hands-on activities for students to connect with kalo farms participating in the project
- Maximum amount per application is $1,250, but multiple applications per school are allowed
- Grant request should be appropriate to the size of the student group
- Grants can include transportation and activity costs, and must be completed by April 30, 2025
- Keiki must complete a post-field trip survey, with summary form submitted to MK
Grants are processed and approved on a first come, first serve basis so apply right away!
Submit your application at: tinyurl.com/kalofieldtrip
Our Kalo to Kula Field Trip Guide highlights kalo farms in the Kalo to Kula project that your keiki can visit for a field trip!
Guide Contains: resource list, farms to connect with, what makes those farms fun & unique, and activities for the keiki while visiting.
Download your copy of this free guide here!
Kalo Kredit Projects
We are distributing $12,000 in kalo products for students to participate in a variety of kalo sampling, cooking, and tasting activities in SY 24-25!
- Select the products you want to use and what activities your students want to engage in
- Food is meant for free student consumption – items cannot be sold and/or distributed to primarily non-students
- Multiple applications per school are allowed
- Grant request should be appropriate to the size of the student group participating
- Keiki must complete a post-activity survey, with summary form submitted to MK
Examples of Allowed Projects:
- Ingredients are used in a cooking class for an afterschool program
- Students use kalo paʻa to pound poi that they then eat
- A teacher or a chef prepares kalo dishes and has a taste testing and sampling activity with the kids with documented feedback
- A kalo themed lunch is made by students to go alongside a taro farm field trip
- Poi smoothies are used as an activity and snack for a garden class that involves planting taro
Non-Allowable Activities Include: Selling food in any form (fundraiser, 3rd party vended meal, ticketed event, etc.); Food is used in a culinary class, but those eating the end results are not students; or Ingredients are incorporated in school meals, but with no student participation or feedback involved.
Grants are processed and approved on a first come, first serve basis so apply right away! Submit your application at: tinyurl.com/kalokredits and also complete the Kalo Product Donation Request form and submit to [email protected]. We need to receive both submissions for your application to be complete.
Kalo to Kula Recipe Guidebook
Our Kalo to Kula Recipe Guidebook contains 19 recipes total for breakfast, lunch and side dishes compliant to USDA nutrition requirements!
These are keiki-approved, taste tested with adults and students using Kauaʻi sourced taro, fruits, and vegetables.
Download your copy of this free guide here, or attend one of our trainings for a beautiful printed copy!
Cafeteria & Teacher Trainings
In this free one-day workshop designed for cafeteria workers, teachers, and other school staff, you will:
- Meet kalo farmers and see hands-on kalo educational sites for keiki
- Explore curriculum and grant resources directly supporting farm to school
- Learn how to use the Kalo Recipe Guidebook with hands-on cooking lessons and tasting
- Take home a Kalo Kit full of kalo products to test out recipes at home or with your students
Our first 2 workshop sessions were held in September 2024, with the next two planned for March 2025. Sign Up for Next Sessions at tinyurl.com/Kalo2Kula-Trainings
Are you a Kaua‘i Kalo Farmer?
We have many ways to still get involved! Start by completing our Kalo Farmer Needs Assessment by November 15th, 2024 to join this school year’s program which includes a Kalo Farmer Dinner and eligibility to participate in our field trip and farmer grant programs.
Have Questions? Contact:
Stormy Soza, Food Access Alaka‘i
808-828-0685 ext. 11 | [email protected]
This project is supported by USDA, County of Kaua‘i and Johnson ‘Ohana Foundation