Malama Honua Fund Gives To Sustain The Aina

The Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund is again giving away five $500 awards to local non-profits, schools, organizations or initiatives on the Big Island, according to a press release announcing the annual awards program.

Awards are given to groups that embody Aloha Grown’s philosophy: “Support Local. Sustain the Aina. Share the Aloha.”

Applicants must write a one-page essay explaining how their organization follows Aloha Grown’s philosophy, including the organization’s mission and vision, and the specific project, program or activity that the $500 award would be used to fund.

Last year Waimea Country School’s “Na Keiki Aloha Aina” garden program was selected to receive one of five 2013 Aloha Grown Malama Honua Fund Awards. They purchased new gardening tools and cooking utensils to teach ‘garden to plate’ sustainability.

Aloha Grown was created in 2010 to make a difference in the environmental, economic and social sustainability of Hawai ‘i, using fashion and media to encourage a lifestyle, culture and mindset of sustainability, says its website. The retail apparel and accessories store in the Canario Building on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo is a spin-off of Creative Arts Hawaii, a Hilo screen printing, graphics design and promotions company.

Two percent of sales helps restore Malama Honua Fund each year.

Submissions are due by March 31.