HO`OLAHA KA HUA Plant-Based Diet Pilot
On March 15, 2021, The Food Basket staff, their families, members of their Board of Directors, and Mayor Mitch Roth and his wife participated in a “jumpstart” dietary challenge. For ten days, participants were provided pre-made, plant-based meals for lunch and dinner (breakfast being on their own) prepared by local vegan chef Stephen Rouelle, of Under the Bodhi Tree.
Following the initial ten-day challenge, all participants were enrolled in The Food Basket’s Ho`olaha Ka Hua DA BOX program. They received a weekly share of locally grown produce, along with recipes, check-ins from medical professionals, and featured monthly speakers.
Participants were able to practice reading ingredient labels, portioning, and incorporating mindful eating into their everyday lives. Additional education activities included daily speakers on various health topics, as well as inspirational stories from local residents who had experienced life-changing health outcomes by adopting a plant-based lifestyle.
The motivating drive for this project was the recent loss of two of The Food Basket’s long-time and dear employees, Bernard Torres and JoAnn Abiley, who both passed away due to heart-related health issues in recent years. This project was not only a tribute in their honor, but also a way to empower The Food Basket staff to take charge of their own health. As longtime champions of “healthy food for all” through their programs – including DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks, DA BUS Mobile Market and Food Pantry, and DA BOX Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) – this was a powerful opportunity for The Food Basket Staff to “walk the talk” of healthy eating and living. With the partnership and support of their employer and medical professionals, the hope was that all participants would be able to live healthier, happier and more productive lives.
On March 15, 2021, The Food Basket staff, their families, members of their Board of Directors, and Mayor Mitch Roth and his wife participated in a “jumpstart” dietary challenge. For ten days, participants were provided pre-made, plant-based meals for lunch and dinner (breakfast being on their own) prepared by local vegan chef Stephen Rouelle, of Under the Bodhi Tree.
Following the initial ten-day challenge, all participants were enrolled in The Food Basket’s Ho`olaha Ka Hua DA BOX program. They received a weekly share of locally grown produce, along with recipes, check-ins from medical professionals, and featured monthly speakers.
Participants were able to practice reading ingredient labels, portioning, and incorporating mindful eating into their everyday lives. Additional education activities included daily speakers on various health topics, as well as inspirational stories from local residents who had experienced life-changing health outcomes by adopting a plant-based lifestyle.
