Promoting Gardening as Cultural Opportunity Gets Hawaiians Active

At A Glance

Did you know that on Maui, fresh and local produce is not readily available? In fact, 93% of all food is imported-and expensive. High food prices and limited fresh produce contribute to the island’s high obesity rate, which is up 40% from just 5 years ago. The Community Work Day or CWD school and community garden initiative began in 2010. As of June 2012, more than 10,000 people have burned more than 12 million calories, while creating and maintaining 17 school and community gardens—plus, they benefit from the produce that is grown.

By Rhiannon Chandler

Public Health Challenge

According to a 2012 report by Trust for America's Health, more than half of Hawaiian adults will be obese by 2030 if current trends continue. In comparison, less than 20 years ago, slightly more than 10% were obese. Additionally, more than 10% of the residents live below the federal poverty line and many eat inexpensive and unhealthy foods. Approximately 33% of Maui’s children get the exercise they should and only 17% eat 5 or more fruits or vegetables each day. Another challenge is changing attitudes. According to an article in Ethnicity & Disease (Vol. 14, winter 2004), “The Relationship Between Ethnicity and Obesity in Asian and Pacific Island Populations,” it is becoming more culturally acceptable in Hawaii to be obese.

Approach

During the CWD, participants planted 17 gardens in schools and areas in need, promoting them through community health clinics and Native Hawaiian groups. Families participated to learn about native foods and traditions. By positioning gardening as a way to reconnect with culture and the ‘aina (land), the CWD indirectly supports better health choices. Families brought their children to teach them about native foods such as taro and to connect them to the ‘aina. During the CWD health and nutrition information was distributed to volunteers. Volunteers received an edible plant after their work was complete.

Residents here generally do not respond if they are mandated to eat better or exercise. But they will take action if they know their efforts will help the environment and contribute to a better future for our children.
- Jennifer Chirico

Results

More than 30,000 edible plants were planted in 17 gardens. To date, more than 2,000 plants were harvested. The growing cycle in Hawaii is year round, so participants are able to work in the gardens daily. Through strong partnerships with clinics, schools, and other community organizations, the number of gardens grew quickly. In schools, programs focus on nutrition, personal kuleana (responsibility) to Hawaii, and how both contribute to fresh, available foods. Most gardens not located at schools were intentionally established in “in need” areas. For example, there is a garden at a homeless shelter which houses 1,300 temporary residents. As of June 2012, more than 300 garden workdays have occurred as part of CWD. This involved more than 6,500 adult and 4,000 youth volunteers who burned more than 12 million calories while building and maintaining the gardens.

What's Next

School gardens are designed to follow students from elementary school, through high school, and on to college. Curriculum was developed to integrate school gardens into the educational system, aligning with the State of Hawaii Department of Education benchmarks and standards. Additionally, other established gardens are fostering new opportunities beyond exercise and fresh produce. For instance, at the homeless shelter, an outdoor daycare center was established for the children whose parents lived at the shelter in January 2012. Gardens are also now being used for therapy. Those who are trying to overcome drug addiction are now benefitting from volunteering in the gardens.

Find Out More

Obesity is a complex issue and to reduce it involves more than just making healthy foods and exercise more accessible. By considering our culture and what uniquely motivates our community to stay healthy, we believed we could make a more powerful impression. For us, promoting gardening is a way to connect to the land, strengthen families, and develop pride in our state. It’s working! We invite you to learn more about us.

Contact

Rhiannon Chandler
Community Work Day
PO Box 757

Puunene, HI 96784
Phone: 808-877-2524

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Web site

http://nccd.cdc.gov/nccdsuccessstories/

CDC-INFO

https://wwwn.cdc.gov/dcs/ContactUs/Form

The findings and conclusions in this success story are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the funding agencies or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).