GusNIP Mini-Convening

GusNIP Mini-Convening

August 21–24, Oahu, Hawai’i

Pictured above (left to right): Ronli Levi, (University of California San Francisco) and Dr. Amy Yaroch weeding in a Kalo (Native Hawaiian for Taro) patch.

Attendees: Executive Director Dr. Amy Yaroch, Principal Research Scientist Dr. Chris Long 

Main takeaways and highlights: Together with our NTAE Nutrition Incentive Hub partners, Dr. Yaroch and Dr. Long traveled to Hawai’i in August where they gathered with a select number of GusNIP produce prescription and nutrition incentive grantees to get hands-on experience and learning through impactful service and activities. “The deep connection between land, community and food and nutrition security was evident and truly a moving experience facilitated by local GusNIP grantees and their partners. From listening to traditional didactic presentations on the projects being conducted to working in the sacred Kalo fields, to helping to prune vegetation on 100 acres of ancient farmlands, it was an experience I will remember forever,” Dr. Yaroch shared. 

In reflecting on his experience at the mini-convening, Dr. Long said, “The Hawai’i teams did a brilliant job of reminding all of us that health is more than just being symptom-free or living the most number of days. Their programs show how health also includes positive connections to the people, land, food, water and air around us. The Hawaiian teams provide health care that centers these connections to better support their communities. All of us were inspired to apply these lessons to work in our own communities.” 

The gathering was organized to highlight Hawai'i’s innovative approaches to food security and health, offering a window into how traditional health practices, cultural foods and community-driven programs can support long-term well-being. 

Pictured above (left to right): Erica Raml (Fair Food Network), Noah Fulmer (Fair Food Network) and Dr. Amy Yaroch.