The Garden Program at LCPCS began with a Farm to School Planning Grant from the USDA and has had a profound and growing impact on the school and it's community.

2016

- An organic garden was planned, dug, fenced, the soil prepared, planted and first crops were produced in 2014.
It is presently planted with kale, bell peppers, tomatoes, green onions, radishes, herbs, bok choy, carrots, and beans. 

- Garden-based cooking lessons and education encompassing, science, math, environmental and cultural studies have been provided for the elementary grades K- 5 for three years.   Popular weekly 45-90 min garden classes focus on "hands-on" experiential learning.   The garden and teaching kitchens are living classrooms where students exercise their creativity and observation skills. 

- Students provide the school food programs with produce when garden veggies are available.
 
- Agriculture curriculum is now offered to grades 6 -12 as well.  

- Culinary lessons for upperclassmen begun in school year 2013/14 were a direct result of the Farm to School initiative and have matured to a credited culinary class that focuses on local food preparation. The students recently put on a Farm to School lunch which was excellent.  From that success, the chef and students are now contemplating having occasional lunches that the community could attend like a restaurant. 

- LCPCS partners with Hilo Hamakua Community Development Corporation (HHCDC)  to host agriculture classes for adults at the school.

- LCPCS Farm to School Program has been recognized as a model and leader in the Farm to School initiative in the State of Hawaii and plays an important role in helping other schools.  Our Farm to School Coordinator leads presentations, tours, and advises other schools and organizations in Farm to School efforts in Hawaii.  

- A lengthy Governing Board resolution that affirmed the goals of Farm to School program and agricultural education was a direct result of the Farm to School initiative.

Hui Kako'o O Laupahoehoe is a proud supporter of this important program and continues to provide funds, grant writing and other supports.

From planning to eating 2013-2015