In Hawaii, the word 'Āina is translated to 'the land that provides'. I feel a responsibility to give back, to love, to honor this land.
"someone once asked me, “Does this work(farming) ever become tedious or do you feel discouraged?” I thought about that for a moment. I have chosen to be a steward of this land, to Malama the 'Āina in this lifetime, to know, not only, where my food comes from, but to grow much of it myself. Yes, some days are harder work than others. But while this body is still able, I WILL lift heavy containers of turmeric, push wheel barrels full of soil, shovel piles of shit, dump trash cans of rotting food waste to make compost, and walk knee deep in mud. I WILL harvest and wash greens and veggies with my hands and bunch them into pretty bouquets to share with my Ohana and community here. I will begin a meal in my kitchen with no clue of what’s going to be for dinner until myself or Paul goes outside and finds something we can prepare. I WILL come together with the community to share about where food comes from and how we can all play a part in the process.
So the answer is, NO. It’s never too much. Even though food is the most important thing we need to sustain these bodies, it is still one of the most undervalued services in western culture and maybe beyond. Take time to stop looking for the “good deal” when it comes to your health and go and meet your farmers and learn about where your food is coming from. " -Kelly Stern
Place Your Turmeric Order HERE!
How can I give back?
Volunteer on the farm! Every Thursday 9am-12pm 41-1009 Kakaina Street, Waimanalo Come join us every Thursday to celebrate the aina. Every week is a new project that is educational, fun, and a way to contribute to the local food movement here on Oahu. If we are out of town or volunteer day is cancelled, we will post it on our Yogarden instagram & facebook page.