HONOLULU (Island News) – The ono classic Filipino dish, chicken papaya soup, was served across Hawaii public school cafeterias on Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii Island throughout the month of September.
The classic Filipino dish, also known as Tinola, was served for lunch using locally sourced bok choy and green papaya. Over 2,000 of local bok choy was distributed to 75 participating schools, and locally sourced green papaya was supplied to all participating Hawaii Island schools.
The effort is part of Hawaii State Department of Education’s farm-to-school initiative that aims to enhance food sustainability in Hawaii to help improve student health while supporting local farmers.
“I thought it was a very unique dish. I’ve had something similar that my grandma has made for me, I thought it tasted very good,” said 6th grader Jayden Fukuhara of Alvah Scott Elementary School on Oahu.
In addition to bringing locally sourced, ono homestyle meals to students’ plates, the dish also serves as a rich source of vitamin K, C, and A. Green papaya is also low in sugar and calories and has vitamins C, B, potassium and fiber.
“This is the first time we ever served this dish…especially for the kids. They always like something new on the menu. So we’re excited to make it for them,” shared Alvah Scott cook Joe Esta.
