Produce We Planted, Why, & When We Anticipate Harvest #1

When this farming project was started, it began with the thought that some seeds from four non-gmo grape tomatoes from a container purchased from the grocery store would be planted in buckets and distributed to families in need. 

After spending time learning more and more about the food insecurity here in Hawai'i and knowing now that 90% of the food is imported, the decision to begin farming on a larger scale than 5 gallon buckets. This is what helped form the mission of Beeting Hunger Wellness Farms; (mission updated 4/29/2026 - the first 10% of produce harvested will go to a local partner food pantry, 35% will be sold at a discounted rate that will be aimed toward SNAP recipients, and the other 55% will be sold at a closer to market rate in various capacities.   10% will be donated to food pantries - whether this is in dollars or in fresh produce, we aim to contribute to families in need as we grow. Donating 10% of produce when harvests are very small in the beginning isn't super helpful, so to help with making this mission more effective, 10% of sales in dollars will be donated instead. The rest of the produce will be sold at reasonable rates.)

Kicking off the planting, grape tomatoes were the first crop to go into the ground. They will provide an indeterminate harvest of grape tomatoes that will be good for those who like to eat salads, have snacks of tomatoes, and make other dishes that call on tomatoes. They are good for small hands too, so we hope that kids will be introduced to the tiny tomatoes to get additional nutrition! 

Tomatoes are not only versatile and delicious, they also support heart health and have many other health benefits. 

They contain Lycopene, which is an antioxidant that helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer; Hawai'i #1 and #2 causes of death. They are also a good source of Vitamin C (immune support and antioxidant) and K1 (helps blood clotting and bone health), Potassium (blood pressure control and heart health), and Folate (supports normal tissue growth and cell function, red blood cell production, and is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent birth defects!). Source

Beets. We chose beets as one of the primary foods to focus  on because not only is their root nutritious, but their greens pack an even bigger nutrition punch!

Not to mention, Dwight is a favorite character from The Office. :) Later, we will have more The Office testing to do with  Mung Bean Sprouts in honor of Creed and Broccoli Rabe, recalling Andy Bernard's acapella group member Broccoli Rob.

Beet roots are a good source of Folate (supports normal tissue growth and cell function, red blood cell production, and is important for pregnant women because it helps to prevent birth defects!) Manganese (bone formation, metabolism, and brain function), Copper (energy production). 

Beets may help decrease high blood pressure. They contain high concentration of nitrates. Our bodies convert nitrates to nitric oxide which dilates blood vessels and causes blood pressure levels to drop, while providing energy, and improving athletic performance, so juicing them and drinking a couple hours before hitting the gym or the big game is said to be helpful!

They also may help fight inflammation, improve digestion, support brain health, and aid in fighting cancer.

This Healthline article expands on many of the benefits and links to various National Library of Medicine studies so you can dive even deeper into your research on beets. 

We will keep planting beets so you can hopefully have access year round.

Not only are the beet roots super, but the greens are as well.