South Maui Sustainability (SMS) invites the public to its monthly community event on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. at the VFW Hall in Kihei. This month’s event is a Locavores’ Dinner and a Movie Potluck. Bring a locavore dish to share, one made from at least 75 percent locally grown ingredients, and enjoy an inspiring film called The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil. Bob and Kelly King, owners of Pacific Biodiesel, will host the evening.

The 53-minute film tells the story of  Cubans who learned to grow food after the Soviet Union cut them off from supplies.

“They are now experts, growing all the food for the entire country,” said SMS Member Maury King. “They could be a good model for situations we will face.”

Bob King, chairperson of the State Environmental Council, will moderate a question-and-answer question session after the movie.

Alcoholic beverages produced in Hawai‘i are permitted. All dishes must be labeled “vegetarian,” “vegan,” “contains meat,” as applicable, and an ingredient list should also be supplied for those who have food allergies. This is a “trash free” event so attendees are asked to bring their own plates, utensils and serving utensils. Bring a beach chair or cushion.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m., food service is at 6 p.m. and the movie will be shown at 7:15 p.m.

The VFW Hall is located at 2502 Uluniu Road, one block makai of Kihei Road between Lipoa and Waipuilani.

SMS is a grassroots citizens group, whose mission is to promote sustainability awareness and action through education, and sharing resources.

The organization usually meets on the second Thursday of the month at Kihei Charter School, and expects to return to that time and place in January.