HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0952.014 2006-2008
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Murashige, Laura
From: Vivienne Aronowitz [aronowitz@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 3:23 PM zoo FEB 5 RBI 9 59
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: school gardens r'C1UN1", ; iF y4\\NP-4(
Aloha,
As a registered dietitian with over 27 yrs of practice to my name, I have seen the devastating effects of
poor diets on people's health. I firmly believe and my own experience and the research has
substantiated that by eating well we can ensure healthy and productive lives. The situation both locally,
nationally and globally has reached crisis proportions as the obesity rate has soared. We need to make
an impact with those at the early stages of life, where prevention of disease is possible and do it in a
constructive and positive way. School gardens provide a wonderful opportunity to reconnect children
with the earth, and when it is nurtured, its bounty. Learning how to care for a garden will not only
excite the children about the literal fruits of their labor, but give them an understanding and respect for
our resources and especially in Hawaii, our heritage. We cannot wait for others to take on this
challenge but must all work together to promote this wonderful avenue for engendering healthful eating,
land stewardship and an understanding of the cycle of nature in a very real way.
I urge you to support school gardens not only with words but with dollars so that the school gardens and
all those who connect with them can thrive and blossom.
Vivienne Aronowitz M.P.H., R.D.
Registered Dietititian
Board Member, Mala'ai Garden at Waimea Middle School
Kamuela, HI
Gomm. No.
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Ref. Date F E13 n 8 2nng ~
2/5/2008