KTA Super Stores Lands State Spotlight

On Saturday, August 6, KTA's Waimea location officially became the very first Blue Zones Project Approved™ grocery store in the state of Hawaii.

“I'm really honored and privileged to be chosen as a Blue Zones supermarket. We're really excited and we hope to set a good example for the rest of the supermarkets in the state," said Colin Miura, KTA Waimea Store Director, who spearheaded the effort to become Blue Zones Project Approved. 

KTA Waimea completed the certification process, which includes creating a Blue Zones® checkout lane, adding signage to highlight locally grown produce, encouraging parking at the farthest spaces from the store, selling healthy grab-and-go snacks, offering half sandwiches in the deli, distributing healthy recipes inspired by Blue Zones Project, and limiting sugar-sweetened beverages in checkout lanes.

A popular change for parents with young children is the Blue Zones Project checkout lane. Instead of being stocked with candy bars, gum and sweet treats that kids beg for -- and that many adults may find hard to resist as well -- the Blue Zones Project lane
features a variety of healthy snacks, such as granola bars, nuts and fresh fruits.

"Colin exemplifies our company's philosophy in that we really try to put people before profits," said Toby Taniguchi, KTA President and Chief Operating Officer. 

"It's about good health, good people, and especially our children, the next generations to come - making good choices and then finding it in your local stores," said Kahu Billy Mitchell of Mana Christian Ohana, who gave a traditional Hawaiian blessing at the recognition ceremony.

Mahalo Colin and the KTA ohana for supporting our community in helping make the healthy choice the easy choice in North Hawaii!

The Power of Purpose

Rave reviews are coming in for the Power of Purpose workshops held in Honokaa, Kohala, Waikoloa and Waimea. Participants learned about their gifts, strengths, and talents to help them find their purpose. One attendee said, "I really loved learning about the Blue Zones Project. It gave me insight on different aspects of my life."

Honokaa	Kohala
Waimea	Waikoloa

When asked what their greatest insights gained by attending were, comments included "being able to put words to identify my gifts," and "confirmation - a good written organized thought of my life."

Interested in unlocking the purpose to your life?Email bluezonesprojectnorthhawaii@healthways.com for upcoming workshop dates or check out our website at hawaii.bluezonesproject.com.

Kohala Schools to Pilot Farm to School Program

Imagine students at school cafeterias eating fresh food from local farms instead of canned, processed foods - this could soon be a reality for students across Hawaii, and our very own North Kohala students will be among the first to get a taste of this new farm to school initiative!Photo Courtesy of West Hawaii Today: Danny Garcia, Principal of Kohala Elementary, is working with the State to launch the new Farm to School Pilot Initiative. 

The Kohala Complex, which includes Kohala Elementary School, Kohala Middle School, and Kohala High School, has been chosen to pilot the program. The initative aims to increase State purchasing of local food for school menus and support local farmers.

Lt. Governor Shan Tsutsui spearheaded the Farm to School Initiative and is working with the Hawaii State Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education to roll it out.

Danny Garcia, Principal of Kohala Elementary School, recently met with Hawaii Department of Agriculture's farm to school coordinator to work out the logistics involved with piloting the program. Read more about it in West Hawaii Today.

Mahalo to Danny and the Kohala Schools Complex for helping take the lead in a creating a healthier school environment for our keiki! 

Want to add years to your life?

RESEARCH SHOWS VOLUNTEERING EQUALS A HEALTHIER YOU!

See our North Hawaii volunteers at their BEST!

The North Hawaii Engagement Committee (Honokaa, Kohala, Waikoloa and Waimea) is still in need of volunteers. Come add years to your life, make new friends, and support the community with Blue Zones Project by joining one of our committees, help with events and programs, or by documenting our well-being journey as a photographer or videographer: 

• Faith-based Committee
• Grocery Committee
• Policy Committee (Built Environment, Food Policy, Tobacco Policy)
• Restaurant Committee
• Schools Committee
• Worksite Committee
• Social Media Volunteer
• Walking School Bus Volunteer
• Event Volunteer:  Upcoming Event
• Photographer/Videographer

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Sue Dela Cruz at Susan.DelaCruz@healthways.com or call 808.564.4762