20-05-2025
HIDOE students feast on sweet potatoes
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaiʻi public schools, like Hilo Union School, saw the return of local ʻuala, a sweet potato, to the school's lunch menus.
According to the Hawaiʻi Department of Education, approximately 372 pounds of local Okinawan sweet potato were distributed to 91 participating schools.
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Students enjoyed ʻuala in its steamed form for the Month of May. HIDOE said that the ingredient will expand also to be served as potato mash and yogurt bowls in the next school year.
'It's good. It's got a nice texture. The flavor, it's always been my favorite part,' said Hilo Union School sixth grader Isabella-Marie Wells. 'And I always know that it has a lot of nutrition in it; so, I know it's really good for me.'HIDOE said the Okinawan sweet potatoes have more antioxidants than other kinds of sweet potatoes, as it contains high levels of anthocyanin. The root is also rich in vitamins A, C and B6.
Wells isn't the only fan of the food. The ʻuala is liked by students, especially due to its differing flavor from a traditional potato.
Like first grade student Jaxon TongaBennette-Drayer said: 'It tastes like a normal potato, but it's sweeter.'
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