Feed The Hunger Fund, a nonprofit that provides loans to entrepreneurs working to create a more diverse local food system in Hawaii, just announced more than $260,000 in funding for three small-scale food entrepreneurs, according to a press release from Kamehameha Schools.
The funds are part of a more than $1 million financial collaboration with Kamehameha Schools and nonprofit health care system Hawaii Pacific Health. Each contributed $525,000, mostly in loans, to Feed The Hunger Fund to support food security and sustainability in Hawaii.
“By investing in the establishment and expansion of healthy, locally-sourced, food-based businesses, low-income communities gain greater food equity and security, as well as increased economic and environmental vitality,” said Patti Chang, CEO and co-founder of Feed The Hunger Fund, in a written statement.
A healthier Hawaii starts with community partnerships, according to Hawaii Pacific Health representatives.
“Small farms are the backbone of Hawaii’s food system and ensuring access to capital for these growers is essential for sustainability," stated Michael Robinson, Hawaii Pacific Health's vice president of government relations and community affairs. "Our co-investment with Kamehameha Schools for Feed The Hunger Fund will help ensure that small farming businesses can continue to produce the foods Hawaii can grow locally."
Kamehameha Schools also commented on the partnership.
“Investing in Feed The Hunger Fund will broaden Kamehameha Schools’ agricultural impact,” stated Ka‘eo Duarte, vice president of community and aina resiliency for Kamehameha Schools. “The fund looks to support compelling businesses that will accelerate the revitalization and diversification of food systems, including our own Kamehameha Schools portfolio of aina and tenants."
The first three farms to receive loans from the partnership are: Kanekoa Farms, Mokuwai Piko Poi and Aloha Aina Poi Company.
Here is a breakdown of the funds each farm will receive and how they will be spent:
Kanekoa Farms: $15,000 to buy a hook and trellis system for its tomato crop. The farm was founded in 2021 by Gina Kanekoa and grows produce for local chefs. The Waimanalo-based business was also one of three winners of Kamehameha Schools’ 2022 Mahiai Match-Up competition and received an agricultural lease agreement to farm on Kamehameha Schools land in East Honolulu on Oahu.
Mokuwai Piko Poi: $95,000 to purchase heavy machinery. The family-owned poi mill is located in Honokaa on Hawaii Island. It sources taro from Waipio Valley in Honokaa, as well as from Kauai.
Aloha Aina Poi Company: $150,000 to buy new equipment and renovate buildings. The changes will expand the farmer-owned company's refrigeration storage capacity, add delivery vehicles and staff, and allow for facility upgrades. The Kauai-based company produces taro products.
Most of Hawaii's 7,300 farms are small operations with 80% of farmers making less than $25,000 in annual sales, according to Kamehameha Schools.
For more information about Feed The Hunger Fund, go to feed-hunger.com.
