First Lady’s Corner: Reaching out in a pandemic

Posted on Dec 29, 2020 in Capitol Connection, Featured

Whether it’s vital resources for families, practical information from local experts or timely community news, First Lady Dawn Amano-Ige has turned her Facebook page into a place of hope. “In this pandemic, we need to rely on each other more than ever,” she said. “Our sense of ‘ohana and community concern are what will see us through.”

New weekly postings on her Facebook page include her “Storytime” series, interviews for her “Q&A Hawai‘i” and advice to make surviving the COVID-19 pandemic a little easier. As a former teacher, Mrs. Ige continues to promote a love of reading as a way for families to enjoy time together at home. Her read-alouds, which appear on both her Facebook page and on ‘Olelo’s “Conversations with the First Lady,” feature children’s books she has carefully chosen for their positive messages and values.

The popular “Grab and Go” free meal program has been extended through June 2021 for the state’s public schools.

Mrs. Ige also joined with the Hawai‘i Department of Education to promote its free “Grab-and-Go” breakfasts and lunches when schools pivoted to distance learning. Food service crews at more than 70 public schools statewide prepared thousands of meals that could be picked up for keiki learning from home. “The schools continue to provide a real safety net for families who need this support,” she said. Before the pandemic, the First Lady launched the “Jump Start Breakfast” initiative with the DOE, the No Kid Hungry foundation and other community partners. “We wanted to emphasize that students need to have a positive start to their day for good health and academic success,” she explained.

In 2021, the First Lady will chair the Spouses Leadership Committee of the National Governors Association, where she plans to highlight some of the key issues for families coping with the impact of COVID-19.