Localicious Hawai’i Supporting School Gardens Through Local Food

Eat a meal, help a child. That’s the idea behind the third annual Localicious Hawai’i campaign that kicked off state-wide at the beginning of March.

A total of 149 Hawai’i restaurants have partnered with public schools for the month-long partnership in support of Agricultural education in public schools through the Hawai’i Agricultural Foundation Veggie U program.

Fifteen of the participating restaurants are on the Big Island.

Throughout the month of March, one dollar from every Localicious dish sold goes towards HAF’s Veggie U garden kit and curriculum, impacting 114 classrooms statewide. Dishes identified as Localicious feature local produce, meat, or seafood.

The 2016 campaign goal is to raise $50,000 to expand Veggie U to additional fourth grade classrooms.

Overall, campaign officials say the idea is to support restaurants that buy local, a message that hits close to home.

“It’s even more critical today to support local farmers, fishermen, and ranchers,” said HAF Board Chair Deak Okimoto. “People need to start looking at what agriculture brings to the state, and if they want more sustainability, they must really start committing to buying and supporting local ag production.”

The Big Island campaign participants include Annies’s Island Fresh Burgers, Blue Dragon Coastal Cuisine & Musiquarium, Hawai’i Calls Restaurant & Lounge, Huggo’s, Lava Lava Beach Club – Waikoloa, MAI Grille, Moon and Turtle, On the Rocks, Puco’s Osteria, Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, Sweet Cane Cade, Three Fat Pigs, Tommy Bahama – Mauna Lani, Merman’s Waimea, and Zippy’s.

Merriman’s Waimea Caesar Salad

ommy Bahama Mauna Lani Mo Betta Heirloom Tomato Salad. Courtesy photo.

Moon & Turtle Smoky Sashimi. Courtesy photo.