How to Organize a Harvest of the Month Event
Download our full guide on how to host a Hoʻopili ʻAi Harvest of the Month event!
1. Assemble an event team, including:
- Event lead
- School administrator
- School garden lead
- Cafeteria manager
- Volunteers for the event
- Videography team if needed
2. Decide on the event scope:
- Will all classrooms participate, or will they need to opt in?
- If opting in, circulate a sign up form to teachers (see sample form).
3. Communicate with participating teachers:
- Date and time of event
- Confirm that 2 people from each classroom will pick up samples from cafeteria (or ask if volunteers are needed)
- Featured crop
- Educational materials (see Hawaii Farm to School Toolkit: Harvest of the Month)
- Garden sign up sheet (see sample sheet)
- Media release form for parents to complete (if taking photos and filming)
- Post-event feedback form (see sample form)
4. Purchase/prepare materials:
- Taste samples (see Ho‘opili ‘Ai farm to school sampler boxes)
- Biodegradable plates and utensils for serving (e.g. 6 oz paper boats and bamboo spoons)
- Printed student feedback forms (one per class)
- Stickers (one per student)
5. Hold your event!
- Scheduled garden visits
- In-class educational activities
- Pickup from cafeteria: taste samples, student feedback forms, stickers
- Conduct taste tests and gather student feedback
6. After the event:
- Teachers complete event feedback forms
- Collect student feedback forms and tally results
- Share your event summary, quotes, and photos with your school community and beyond!
- Connect with the movement by using #hoopiliai with any social media posts!
