Farm to Fork: Ma'o Organic Farm Tour

You know that feeling of happiness you get when you wake up in the morning to blue skies and 70 degree weather? That feeling when all your work is done, kids are fed, bathed, and in bed? That was the feeling on the farm today. Contentment.

It was literally a blue skies, 70 degree day, but there was something else intangible and calming about this piece of land off the Waianae coast. 

The same way that people call certain places home, not because they've lived there for their entire lives, but because something special has happened there, that is the feeling I got upon arriving at Ma'o Farms. 

Zach (4 years old) and I had the opportunity to participate in the Farm to Fork program whose goal is "connecting students and communities to our 'aina with hands on activities, fresh food tastings, and a walking tour of our farm". 

We did all those things while spending the morning together and outdoors, while making new friends, while learning. Working part time for the nonprofit Family Hui Hawaii has afforded me opportunities in the past to connect with other parents and their kids. Today's opportunity was especially fun since I have recently begun a new health and food journey. Seeing fruits and greens growing on a farm cared for by young adults (18-24) was an experience Zach and I won't soon forget.

Zach picked limes, tangerines, mint leaves, kale, and helped make salad dressing (without electricity...by pedaling a bike!) for our mid morning fresh snack on the farm. 

The staff and interns excelled at meeting the needs of the young minds visiting their farm. And by keeping their little hands and feet busy. I rarely see the enthusiasm and curiousity Zach had today for veggies! 

We felt grateful to be able to participate in this field trip of sorts. We look forward to returning with more friends soon...and coming back for yummy beet brownies and fresh grown and picked fruits.

For anyone interested in checking out the Farm to Fork experience, you can contact Coordinator Terri Langley via the Ma'o website: maoorganicfarms.org

Learning can be fun, outside, involve food, and fruit peels for teeth.