Ho Fan (Good Rice) Impacting Communities through Food Recovery and Cultural Arts Sustainability
Ho Fan (means "Good Rice") is dedicated to bringing harmony and wellness to our community through a unique approach by intersecting cultural preservation and environmental sustainability. Our mission is to bridge communities through the integration of food recovery and cultural arts sustainability. We strive to combat food waste by rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need, fostering environmental stewardship and social equity.
Our unique interactive cultural arts program uses the rich tradition of the Chinese Lion Dance as a dynamic platform to promote education, inclusion, and mutual understanding.
This combined approach allows HF to enrich community life by promoting both cultural and environmental sustainability. Together, these initiatives foster cultural awareness and enhance community well-being, creating a holistic impact that extends beyond arts engagement. By integrating cultural understanding with sustainable practices, HF contributes to a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient community.
We are a Non-profit 501(c)3 Public Charity organization 509(a)2.
Food Rescue Program
We care about the well-being of our community and the issue of food insecurity. We strive to promote sustainability and compassion by redirecting excess wholesome school food to those in need. By doing so, we aim to ensure that no good food goes to waste and that everyone has access to nutritious meals.
We work with schools to implement food rescue/food recovery programs and educate our children to be mindful and compassionate at the same time. This will not only save on waste and greenhouse gas emissions but will also feed those in need.
Our work is deeply community-focused and designed to engage participants directly through interactive events and hands-on workshops. For instance, our multicultural festivals provide immersive experiences that include dance performances, culinary tastings, storytelling, and craft-making. Our experienced coach also teaches kids and adults traditional self-defense martial arts that complement the Lion Dance program.
We also partner with other cultural arts entities and serve as a resource/access to Chinese Calligraphy, Traditional Chinese Music Instrument lessons, Martial Arts, etc. These activities allow attendees to engage with various cultural expressions firsthand, breaking down cultural barriers and fostering a shared sense of belonging.
Community support has been instrumental to our success. Feedback from parents, educators, and local leaders has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming the need for and impact of our work! The active involvement of local volunteers and partner organizations in planning and executing events reinforces the community’s commitment to cultural education. Community members not only attend but also help shape our programs, ensuring they reflect the interests and values of those we serve. Our partnerships with local schools, museums, and cultural organizations expand our reach, allowing HF to connect with wider audiences and enhance our positive impact across the North Shore.
Cultural Arts Sustainability - Chinese Arts
A Better Community
"My kids were afraid (of the Lions) at first, but after the interactive performance, they are excited to see more and be a part of it!" - parents feedback
The community outreach efforts of Ho Fan are commendable. They truly care about helping those in need.
The Wakefield Lions team is doing an amazing job in promoting cultural experiences and supporting the school food rescue programs.
