Hanalei School gets grant to plant fruit orchard

HANALEI — A rainy afternoon was an auspicious sign for abundant harvests when the Kauai North Shore Community Foundation presented a $2,000 Fit Fund donation at a recent Garden Class at Hanalei School.

The funds will be used to fully install a fruit orchard on the school grounds, whose harvests will provide fruit for the school’s Farm to School healthy snack program.

The area for the fruit orchard has been prepared by the Hanalei School PTSA volunteers. Planting will be completed by May when the school year ends.

“The Farm to School program at Hanalei School empowers our children to make healthy food choices from a young age,” said Korin Dunford, president of the Hanalei School PTSA. “With this orchard, our students will have more options for nutritious snacks that they’ll enjoy.”

The Kauai North Shore Community Foundation created the Fit Fund to grant funds to organizations and programs that enhance fitness, health and wellness on the North Shore of Kauai. In 2018, the foundation will donate a total of $10,000 in Fit Fund grants.

“Health and wellness is much more than just physical fitness. Teaching our youth the benefits of eating organic and locally grown food will enhance their overall well-being for a lifetime, and the foundation is happy to help inspire that learning,” said Ken Rosenthal, board member of the Kauai North Shore Community Foundation and chair of its Health and Wellness Committee.

The Fit Fund is funded by the proceeds of Ohana Fit Fest presented by Wilcox Health, a family event hosted by the foundation. The event focuses on fun and fitness for all ages and features an obstacle course competition. This year’s fifth annual event is planned for this summer.