News - The Food Basket

33 Years of Working Together to Feed Hawaiʻi Island - NALC Food Drive 2026

Leelen Park — Thu, 14 May 2026 23:57:11 +0000

Letter carriers, volunteers, and The Food Basket’s staff come together to collect food donations along mail routes; receive and sort donations; and help relieve hunger on Hawaiʻi Island.

HILO, Hawaiʻi - The Food Basket and the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) came together on Saturday, May 9, 2026 for The Food Basket’s largest annual food drive. This effort was part of the NALC’s national Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive that happens in May of each year across the United States, with this being the 33rd year that the Food Basket and NALC have collaborated on Hawaiʻi Island.

On average, this drive raises over 30,000 pounds of canned goods, rice, instant noodles, and other non-perishable food items on Hawaiʻi Island alone. Duryn Izumo, the Food Basket’s Managing Director explains, “We partner with the post office who gathers all the food into trucks from the different routes that they take. They bring the food over here to our warehouse then unload. We have a bunch of different volunteers from various different groups who will unload everything into carts and then we take it back here and sort everything into categories and then once that is done we'll weigh everything and put it into our system to get dispersed.”

With 40% of Hawaiʻi Island residents experiencing food insecurity, food drives like this one are critical to meeting community needs. “Today's food drive is important in my opinion because of the economy. It's not getting any easier and there's a lot of families in need, especially here in Hawaiʻi. This is one way we can give back to…help them out,” says Mary Pedro, Union President of Hilo Post Office.

The Food Basket staff and volunteers echoed this sentiment, encouraging local residents to contribute whatever they can, and reach out for assistance if they need it. Ann Ebesuno, Food Basket Board Chair and volunteer says, “You never know when it's going to happen to you. You may think today I'm well off, but tomorrow you may be in that line for food. So you never know, and we're here for you.” Fua Wilson, a warehouse worker at The Food Basket adds, “No be shame, we are here to help you. That's what we are here for. We are here to help.”

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Ola Mahina Gardens at Kealaola Farms

Diana Hahn — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 05:16:22 +0000

Thanks to the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, Ola Mahina Gardens at Kealaola Farm is addressing critical challenges from invasive pigs, aging irrigation, and rising production costs. Grant support is helping the farm install electric fencing, renovate the irrigation system, repair essential equipment like their mower and farm truck, and purchase key supplies including organic seeds, fertilizer, and post-harvest crates and packaging. These improvements will increase productivity, reduce crop loss, and strengthen the farm’s capacity to supply certified organic produce to West Hawaiʻi while supporting workforce development and local food security.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: The Family Farm Inc.

Diana Hahn — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 05:13:05 +0000

The Family Farm, Inc., a certified organic farm on Hawai‘i Island, has been growing local food for over 30 years—specializing in bananas, lychees, rambutans, turmeric, and purslane. With support from the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, they purchased a disc harrow, brush hog, and sprayer to improve land preparation, natural weed control, and nutrient application. These upgrades are helping expand banana and turmeric production, supporting local markets, and strengthening Hawai‘i’s food security through sustainable, pesticide-free farming practices.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: HIP Agriculture

Diana Hahn — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:09:49 +0000

Thanks to the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, the Hawaiʻi Institute of Pacific Agriculture is strengthening its farm operations and education programs. Grant support is being used for key investments such as harvest totes, a storage shed, fencing, and post-harvest equipment to improve food safety, storage, and yield protection. The grant also supports staff capacity for farm management and program coordination, allowing HIP Ag to expand Farm-to-School activities, host field trips, and provide hands-on learning opportunities while increasing local food production and distribution.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Sweet Cane Cafe

Diana Hahn — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:07:25 +0000

Sweet Cane Cafe on Hawaiʻi Island is expanding thanks to support from the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, which funded new processing equipment to increase capacity and reduce food waste. With the addition of a dehydrator, freeze dryer, and citrus juicer, the café can now produce value-added foods such as ʻulu burgers, dried fruits, kale chips, frozen juices, and freeze-dried products—using produce from its farm and local growers. This project supports community farmers, strengthens partnerships like the Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative, and helps move Hawaiʻi toward a more resilient, locally based food system.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Derek Von Gnechten

Diana Hahn — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:03:30 +0000

Thanks to the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, a hydroponic farm in Mountain View is addressing challenges caused by changing rainfall and limited infrastructure. Grant support will fund greenhouse expansion and additional water storage, increasing drought resilience and production of green onions and cilantro. This will allow the farm to supply more KTA locations and improve access to locally grown produce in communities with high SNAP/EBT participation.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: OK Farms

Diana Hahn — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:57:52 +0000

Located just outside Hilo in the ahupua‘a of Pu‘u‘eo, OK Farms has been growing tropical fruit since 2002. When the pandemic hit, the farm shifted gears—launching CSA boxes and addressing the challenges of local food security. Since 2022, OK Farms has focused on regenerative agroforestry, planting and harvesting thousands of pounds of Hawaiian staple crops like ‘ulu and kalo across their five-acre agroforest, blending traditional knowledge with sustainable innovation. Now, they’re expanding further—building a greenhouse for native and canoe plants, scaling up natural fertilizer production, and preparing to support other farms through education, seedlings, and organic soil amendments. OK Farms is creating a model for agriculture rooted in culture, science, and aloha ʻāina.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Spicy Ninja

Diana Hahn — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 04:56:02 +0000

Spicy Ninja Sauce is leveling up local flavor and sustainability in North Kohala! As one of the Mālama Da Farmer grant awardees, Spicy Ninja Sauce is putting regenerative agriculture into action—expanding shade house infrastructure, upgrading irrigation, and applying traditional Hawaiian farming practices alongside modern science. These improvements help conserve water, enrich soil, and boost crop From composting and IMO use to companion planting and youth engagement, Spicy Ninja Sauce is cultivating more than hot sauce—they’re growing food security, climate resilience, and a stronger Hawai‘i food system.production of their signature peppers, limes, turmeric, and more.

The State of Food Insecurity 2024-2025

Diana Hahn — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 20:03:00 +0000

Food insecurity in Hawaiʻi is a complex issue. To deepen understanding at the local level and to continue to strengthen opportunities for the communities we serve, Hawaiʻi’s Food Bank Hui (Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi, Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket) has released The State of Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi 2024–2025, a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing food insecurity crisis across the islands.

The State of Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi 2024–2025 is a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing food insecurity crisis across the islands. Now in its second year, the report provides updated statewide and county-level estimates and highlights significant challenges facing local families as the cost of living continues to outpace wages. Overall, the findings suggest that, at 32%, food insecurity in Hawaiʻi continues to be a significant issue that requires targeted, collaborative and comprehensive solutions from all of us in the community.

You can find a copy of the The State of Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi 2024–2025 report here.

The State of Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi 2023 can be found at Hawaiʻi Foodbank’s website.

Report estimates 427,000 people in Hawaii face food insecurity

Diana Hahn — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:51:00 +0000

Foodbanks across Hawaii are relying even more on donations in light of recent cuts.

Hawaii News Now | By Dillon Ancheta

Published: Nov. 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM HST

HONOLULU - There is new data on food insecurity in Hawaii, outlining the number of people across the islands facing some form of hunger.

The report, commissioned by Hawaii’s Foodbank Hui, found that one in three households lacked a reliable source of food between mid-2024 and mid-2025.

It was the second annual report, and estimated some 427,000 people often do not know where their next meal will come from and are forced to choose between food and other essential needs.

Amy Miller, president and CEO of the Hawaii Foodbank, shared a poignant story of a father of four who, despite being employed, relied on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. They would often run out days before the end of the month.

“He said, ‘Well I got to make sure my kids eat. I just tell them I’m intermittent fasting, so they don’t know,’” Miller recounted. “And this is just a reality for so many families. And we have to do something about it.”

The report also found the number of households with children experiencing food shortages due to financial constraints increased from 29% to 34%.

When analyzed by county in relation to their populations, Hawaii and Maui counties registered the highest insecurity percentages in the low 40s. Kauai followed at 32%, and Oahu at 25%.

“These findings are going to help us when we are presenting to our political leaders in looking for ways to solve the problem of food insecurity,” said Maui Foodbank CEO, Lisa Paulson.

Adding to the challenge, food banks in Hawaii are facing a $4 million cut in federal funding, increasing their reliance on state funds and private donations.

Kristin Frost Albrecht, executive director for The Food Basket on Hawaii Island, issued a call to action: “Together we can build a more food secure and resilient future for Hawaii. We just have to hang on to that hope and that optimism.”

Researchers also noted that the current numbers might still be an underrepresentation of the true scope of food insecurity, particularly due to difficulties in reaching migrant and non-English speaking communities.

Click here to view the report.

Read the full article at Hawaii News Now.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Peaceful Farms

Diana Hahn — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 06:44:03 +0000

On the Hāmākua Coast, Peaceful Farms combines ancestral Asian farming wisdom with Hawai‘i’s agricultural heritage. Its self-sustaining system integrates lychee orchards with livestock, eliminating chemicals and improving soil health. Peaceful Farms sells lychee across Hawai‘i Island and Oʻahu, partners with Da Box CSA, and collaborates with Akaka Falls Jam for value-added products. With the help of the Mālama Da Farmer grant, they can build a medical barn, greenhouse, and fencing—projects that diversify crops like açai berries and microgreens, support sustainable growth, and strengthen the local food system while increasing access to fresh, local food and promoting regenerative agriculture.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Puna Chicks

Diana Hahn — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 04:46:53 +0000

Punachicks Farm, based in Hawai‘i, is on a mission to boost local egg production in response to national shortages and a growing demand for pasture-raised eggs. Their regenerative model respects the natural behavior of chickens while enhancing soil and pasture health. To maintain a consistent supply, Punachicks is building new flock areas, expanding their brooder capacity, and launching an on-farm Black Soldier Fly system to reduce feed costs and recycle waste. Once complete, these improvements will allow for a 70–80% increase in production, helping supply stores, co-ops, and families across the islands with healthy, locally produced eggs.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: A Coffee Farm

Diana Hahn — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 06:29:29 +0000

With support from Mālama Da Farmer grants, this beginning coffee farm is building a strong foundation for a thriving operation in Ka‘ū. The funding helps purchase essential equipment like a coffee pulper and dryer, expand their solar system, and cover professional services including marketing and business consulting. By combining sustainable practices, community partnerships, and hands-on learning, the farm is growing high-quality Hawaiian coffee while creating jobs, educational opportunities, and a space for visitors to connect with the land and local culture.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Ocean Era Inc.

Diana Hahn — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:32:30 +0000

Based in Kailua-Kona, Ocean Era is growing native Hawaiian seaweeds like Lepe-o-Hina, Limu Palahalaha, and Sea Grapes — all part of a bigger mission to boost food security, create local jobs, and protect wild limu. Now expanding at Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority (NELHA) with support from the Mālama Da Farmer Grant, they're scaling up production and building a sustainable future for ocean farming in Hawaiʻi.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Richard Kodani

Diana Hahn — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 06:27:20 +0000

Meet Richard S. Kodani – Aloha Mālama Da Farmer Grant Awardee! Farming since 1977, Richard’s passion for agriculture started with chrysanthemums and now flourishes in growing traditional canoe crops like kalo, ʻolena, and ʻulu in Pāhoehoe Ahupuaʻa, Hawaiʻi. With this grant, he’ll expand food production, protect his farm from feral pigs and theft, and share his crops with the local community.

Nā Kuke ʻŌpio Featuring Tiana Kamen

Diana Hahn — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:48:00 +0000

Nā Kuke ʻŌpio (NKO), meaning “The Young Cook” in Hawaiian, is a youth-centered, culturally grounded, cooking and nutrition education program.

By incorporating local ingredients and recipes that reflect the islands’ multicultural heritage, students gain practical cooking skills while connecting with their cultural roots. Take-home resources help reinforce learning at home, supporting the development of lifelong healthy habits and strengthening family food traditions—all while supporting Hawai‘i’s local agriculture.

Mālama Da Farmer Grantee: Naaman Toko

Diana Hahn — Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:17:00 +0000

Kalo. ʻAwa. ʻĀina

Naaman’s ʻohana has farmed kalo in Waipiʻo Valley for generations, guided by practices handed down through their kūpuna and now passing them on to the next generation. They also helped bring ʻawa back to the valley, sharing an aloe propagation method that now supports a growing network of farmers. Maintaining the loʻi isn’t easy for a two-person team. Little Fire Ants and pigs pose a challenge, and aging equipment slows the work. With grant support, the farm is addressing these barriers by controlling fire ants, expanding fencing, repairing tools, and starting a youth internship to pass on loʻi and ʻawa knowledge.

The Food Basket distributes $700,000 to dozens of Big Island AG operations

Diana Hahn — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 03:12:00 +0000

Photo credit: Savannah Harriman-Pote / HPR

Hawaiʻi Public Radio | By Mark Ladao

Published June 13, 2025 at 2:41 PM HST

The Food Basket on Hawaiʻi Island has distributed around $700,000 in grants to over 30 island producers in an effort to promote local farming and improve food security.

The Mālama Da Farmer Grants represent the island’s first grant program, which was funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act to provide relief from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will help upscale farming operations, addressing systemic food issues facing the island and the state as a whole.

“It's addressing the problem at the source. We saw what happened during COVID — the shelves were empty. We should invest in our local farming communities because they are the ones that are feeding us when the ships don’t come,” said Alex Haban, The Food Basket’s food hub development specialist.

The global supply chain was disrupted during the early stages of the pandemic, leaving Hawaiʻi without food imports — and about 90% of the total food consumed on the islands.

But the grants have also illustrated new problems local farmers are facing now, including the broad and volatile tariffs issued during the Trump administration.

See Awardees with this link: Malama Da Farmer Grants — The Food Basket

Hawaii Island’s Food Basket braces for ‘devastating’ federal funding cuts

Diana Hahn — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:10:00 +0000

The agency provides meals for 60,000 people every month, and officials are worried about their ability to meet the growing community needs.

Hawaii News Now | By Lynn Kawano

Published: Jun. 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM HST

HILO - Hawaii Island has the highest rate of food insecurity in the state, according to a recent survey.

Fifty percent of the Food Basket’s overall budget comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and looming federal budget rollbacks could have devastating impacts to the island’s food bank.

The agency provides meals for 60,000 people every month, according to the agency managers. The total population of the county is 205,000, so more than a quarter of the island depends on it.

“This federal support is very, very needed,” said state Sen. Tim Richards, who represents North Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and North Kona.

Read the full article at Hawaii News Now.

‘DA BUX’ Double Up Food Bucks program gets $8.4 million boost from USDA GusNIP grant to benefit Hawaiʻi SNAP participants and local farmers

Diana Hahn — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 02:30:00 +0000

November 26, 2024

Hilo, Hawaiʻi — The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank, today announced it has been awarded more than $8.4 million from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support Hawai‘i’s “DA BUX” Double Up Food Bucks program. Unlocked by state and philanthropic funding, the new award comes from the USDA’s Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), with Hawaiʻi receiving the second highest amount in this round of funding. With this large-scale grant, The Food Basket is excited to announce a major extension of the program to December 31, 2026, an update to the previous extension announced this summer.

DA BUX is a component of the Hawai‘i State Department of Agriculture’s Hawai‘i Healthy Food Incentive Program, administered by The Food Basket, that works by extending the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for the purchase of healthy, locally sourced fruits and vegetables. It is often described as a triple-win because it helps SNAP participants access fresh, local produce; it supports local farmers; and it keeps dollars within the local economy.

The Food Basket operates DA BUX statewide in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance at more than 100 approved retail outlets across all four counties, including grocery stores, CSAs, farmers’ markets, and food hubs. SNAP recipients receive a DA BUX Access Card or voucher they can use at point of sale to double their purchasing power when they buy locally grown fruits and vegetables — $10 of SNAP benefits is worth $20 of Hawai‘i grown produce.

“With a statewide food insecurity rate of 30%, increased food security is vital for our local residents to be healthy and resilient, and the DA BUX program offers a beacon of hope to low-income households and our food industry partners,” said Kristin Frost Albrect, executive director of The Food Bank. “We are grateful to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and our state Legislature for supporting DA BUX at the local level, which helped to unlock this additional federal funding.”

A new annual state allocation of $1.5 million, approved by the 2024 Legislature, helped to secure the GusNIP grant. Over the next three years, the cumulative result is projected to generate nearly $25 million in local food sales.

"The HDOA is proud to be a charter member of the DA BUX program,” said Sharon Hurd, chairperson of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Agriculture (HDOA). "We are grateful to the Hawaiʻi Legislature for recognizing the value and real impact DA BUX has on local families who need it most. HDOA continues to administer appropriations to DA BUX through The Food Basket that has leveraged the $1.5 million from the 2024 Legislature to more than $8.4 million."

“Since introducing the legislation that started the Da Bux Program in 2019 (Act 153), the legislature has appropriated over $2 million,” said Senate Ways and Means Chair Donovan Dela Cruz. “I am thrilled to see the State’s investments in agriculture leveraged to draw down additional federal funds. I look forward to continue working with my legislative colleagues, the Department of Agriculture, and local farmers to promote nourishing Hawai’i’s future.”

"I am pleased to hear that the Legislature's commitment to the Da Bux program, demonstrated by last year's $1.5 million appropriation, has received federal recognition for supporting SNAP recipients' access to healthy, locally grown produce,” said House Finance Committee Chair Rep. Kyle Yamashita. "The $8.4M awarded to the State will help expand this valuable program, providing nutritious food to local families while supporting Hawaii's farmers."

"This recognition from the USDA is incredible and a testament to the hard work of everyone at the State level who supported DA BUX Double Up Food Bucks program,” said Honolulu City Councilmember-Elect Scott Nishimoto. "With so many families living paycheck to paycheck in our State, this is a tremendous opportunity to help them purchase more locally grown food and encourage them to eat healthier. At the same time, this award helps our farmers and keeps money in our local economy."

"Every dollar we spend on healthy, local fruits and vegetables is an investment in the health of local families and the success of local farmers,” said Rep. Kirstin Kahaloa. “The combined strength of state and private funds matched by federal funds, will plant the seeds of healthy habits in our communities and bolster the viability of our farms for years to come. Mahalo to all the partners who came together in this initiative to bring more local food to local folks.”

The DA BUX program’s extended purchasing power also benefits local farmers and the economy. DA BUX has directly driven local food sales, steadily increasing from $220,354 in 2019 to $5 million in 2023 and 2024. To learn more about DA BUX Double Up program, visit dabux.org.