UPDATE: Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has just announced a significant investment of $263,000 aimed at tackling food insecurity across the islands. The funding, unveiled on July 19, 2023, will support four local nonprofits in their mission to bring more fresh produce to families in need.
This urgent initiative focuses on bolstering local farmers while ensuring that the community has access to nutritious food. The grants will specifically enhance food-rescue operations, provide produce bags for seniors, and subsidize costs for households relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Who Received the Funding? Kaiser has awarded $95,000 to Hawaiʻi Foodbank, $75,000 to The Food Basket on Hawaiʻi Island, $50,000 to the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, and $43,000 to Aloha Harvest. According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, these funds are aimed at strengthening existing programs rather than launching new ones, ensuring sustainability in the fight against hunger.
Programs Impacted by the Grants One of the key programs is Kupuna Fresh, which distributes 8- to 10-pound bags of locally grown produce to approximately 1,500 seniors across Oʻahu and Kauaʻi. The Food Basket will expand its DA BOX community-supported agriculture (CSA) subsidies to make healthy food more affordable for SNAP customers. This model accepts EBT and matches SNAP benefits to further reduce costs for families.
These targeted initiatives come at a critical time as Hawaiʻi faces alarming food insecurity rates. A recent analysis by Hawaiʻi Foodbank indicates that nearly 30% of households are experiencing food hardship, while researchers at the University of Hawaiʻi report that around 48% of families with children are affected.
Kaiser’s Perspective on the Investment “We want to help families put nutritious meals on the table and support local farmers,” said Ed Chan, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Hospitals in Hawaii. Much of the funding is dedicated to the “Ai Pono” initiative, which will distribute 720 culturally tailored food boxes through Waimānalo Health Center, enhancing food-rescue initiatives and nutrition programs linked to local clinics.
How the Discounts Will Work The Food Basket has detailed that DA BUX and DA BOX subsidies will apply a 50% discount for qualified SNAP purchases, effectively making local produce more accessible. Nonprofits will leverage these funds to enhance existing distribution methods over the coming months. Residents will receive updates on pickup sites and enrollment opportunities through local channels.
While leaders acknowledge that these targeted grants are not a panacea for Hawaiʻi’s hunger challenges, they argue that such investments can help fill immediate gaps while larger policy and funding solutions are developed. As the community awaits further developments, residents can expect increased access to food boxes, bags, and subsidies, delivering essential support to families across the islands.
Stay tuned for more updates as these programs roll out, providing hope and sustenance to those in need across Hawaiʻi.
