The ʻĀINA In Schools Nutrition Education component empowers students to make healthy food choices that will last a lifetime. A series of 8 lessons for grades 2 and 6 focus on choosing foods that are good for both student and environmental health, by eating local, “close to the source,” high quality whole foods.  All lessons include a food sample that reinforces the key concepts covered in each session.

The ‘ĀINA In Schools Garden-Based Learning component reconnects students to the natural world through the joys of gardening. There are eight ‘ĀINA In Schools garden lessons each for grades K, 1, 4, and 5. Teachers and volunteers lead the garden lessons and oversee garden clubs.

The ‘ĀINA In Schools Agricultural Literacy component introduces students to where their food comes from and who grows their food. Activities include field trips to farms, lo‘i, loko iʻa, farmers’ markets, and restaurants, as well as classroom visits by farmers, chefs, and other food producers. These activities give students a taste of where fresh, local food comes from, and how it can be made into a delicious “close to the source” meal or snack. These experiences also give students an introduction to career paths in agriculture and the culinary arts.

The ‘ĀINA In Schools Waste Reduction component reduces, reuses, and recycles waste in gardens, schoolyards, cafeterias, and classrooms. Materials that would otherwise be thrown away become useful—and free—resources for the school!