Aloha,
“The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” —Matthew 9:37
The harvest season calls us to reflect on how the social ministry of providing nourishing food for all is grounded in our faith and a cultural connection to food and malama aina, care for the land. On Sept. 11 and 12, Oahu’s North Shore Community Land Trust will host its second annual North Shore Food Summit. It’s an opportunity to learn about farming and food distribution on the North Shore and related efforts throughout Hawaii, including some of our own parish food ministries.
The summit will gather participants from a cross-section of the food system and will build upon last year’s event by focusing on “restoring ancestral abundance.” Participants will be taken back to a time when the North Shore — and the rest of Hawaii — was “food secure.” An understanding of ancient sustainable food systems and future food security needs can help our food ministries flourish.
On Sept. 11 in Waimea Valley, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., there will be field trips to farms, fishponds, lo‘i, school gardens and more, capped off with a keynote presentation by chef Michel Nischan, a leader in the sustainable food movement. Waimea Valley producers will offer a farm-to-table lunch and a dinner at the local farmers’ market.
On Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Turtle Bay Resort, panels of local experts will discuss sustainable growing methods. The day will also include a farm-to-table lunch and a sunset pau hana with live music and pupus.
We invite all to connect with the many wonderful people and organizations doing good work with food in Hawaii. Use the harvest season to reflect on what we are doing personally in our parish and community, acting on our faith in providing sustainable nourishment for all and for the good of all.
For more information, visit www.northshoreland.org.
Your friends at the Office for Social Ministry
