Come celebrate National Food Day at KTA Super Stores, 50 E. Puainako St., in Hilo.
The celebration is slated for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.
Food Day aims to support and promote local food production, as well as healthy foods, healthy eating and safe food handling. Learn how local programs are supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, reducing hunger and improving access to healthy food on Hawaii Island.
Free herb seedlings also will be available, along with gardening information.
KTA will feature vegetarian lasagna, poke bowls and acai bowls, as well as wine and local beer samplings.
The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s food bank, will have information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called food stamps) and accept monetary and food donations to help feed families in need.
On Hawaii Island, 11.8% of residents and 19.5% of keiki are food insecure, meaning they don’t regularly have an adequate amount of food to eat. And diet related diseases are a public health crisis — diabetes, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure often disproportionately affect Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders and are projected to increase if trends continue.
On Food Day and every day, everyone is encouraged to eat a healthier diet, be physically active and support a better food system by eating locally produced foods and supporting local farmers and food producers.
For more information, visit KTA Super Stores on Facebook and www.hifoodalliance.org.