Such disasters have also lifted the power of our community to respond, surfacing new possibilities for the Foodbank to deepen its impact by leveraging our networks and relationships in support of a more coordinated and effective response to feeding needs. This is why one of our four pillars named in our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan is to be a proactive leader and supportive partner in disaster preparedness and response, formalizing our historical work in this area.

The Farm to Families program is one of Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s signature programs. Through Farm to Families, we are able to support our local food systems while, at the same time, providing fresh, healthy, Hawaiʻi-grown food to those in our community facing hunger. Since the program’s inception in 2020, we have invested nearly $12.2 million in more than 40 farms and food hubs and distributed over 9.7 million pounds of local produce and proteins — including culturally important foods such as poi, ‘uala and ‘ulu, to our community.

Kūpuna Fresh operates in conjunction with the Senior Food Box Program in order to provide more fresh fruits and vegetables to seniors in need. Participants receive an 8–9 pound bag of produce each month with items such as eggplant, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes, lettuce, bananas and more. Special attention is paid to ensuring the produce is culturally meaningful to the communities we serve, that it can be easily prepared and that the bags are not too heavy.

ʻOhana Produce Plus connects keiki, kūpuna, families, and individuals in need with fresh fruits, vegetables, and essential groceries. For over 20 years, this program has delivered millions of pounds of produce, dry goods, and shelf-stable foods to underserved communities across Hawaiʻi — always free of charge. The program supports low-income families, people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, and others who may have limited access to nutritious food. For many, ʻOhana Produce Plus is their main source of fresh produce and healthy options.

In the past year alone, Hawaiʻi Foodbank partnered with 47 agencies on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi to distribute over 2.8 million pounds of fresh produce, along with 3.6 million pounds of baked goods, dairy, eggs, cereal, snacks, beverages, canned foods, and more.