Four local nonprofits team up to curb hunger with new national funding

HONOLULU, Hawaiʻi — Four Hawaiʻi nonprofits are jointly launching a new effort to end hunger in the state, thanks to new funding from MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, a leading national anti-hunger organization.

Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice, Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network (HCAN), Hawaiʻi Foodbank, and Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute will advocate to improve the public policies and systems that are currently falling short for Hawaiʻi’s families. More than 130,000 Hawaiʻi residents don’t have enough to eat—including over 50,000 keiki—according to Feeding America.

“No one in Hawaiʻi should go hungry,” said Deborah Zysman, executive director of HCAN. “Thanks to this funding from MAZON, our four organizations will be able to fight for policy-based solutions and end the vicious cycle of neglect and economic struggle, especially among our most vulnerable populations.”

The four nonprofits are among 13 new partners in MAZON’s Emerging Advocacy Fund, a nationwide effort to support and expand grassroots anti-hunger work in the states most impacted by food insecurity.

“With nearly four decades of experience fighting hunger in this country, we know that people in some states face greater barriers to food security, but no one deserves to be hungry—regardless of circumstance or ZIP code,” said Mia Hubbard, Vice President of Programs at MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger. “We understand the value and vitality of building a strong, resilient anti-hunger advocacy infrastructure, and we are more committed than ever to listen to, learn from, and support communities facing high rates of food insecurity.”

Over five years, the Emerging Advocacy Fund has invested in more than 50 other organizations in 19 states and Puerto Rico, and this latest allocation increases its total giving in the U.S. to more than $9.1 million. MAZON also invests in strategic partners in Israel and Indian Country.  

“Sadly, Hawaiʻi is consistently ranked among the bottom of all states for its performance in delivering meals to children,” said Daniela Spoto, Hawaiʻi Appleseed’s director of anti-hunger initiatives. “This new funding will allow our four nonprofits to work with families, policymakers, state agencies, and other community organizations to collectively create solutions to the urgent issue of hunger facing our families.”

See a full list of MAZON’s Emerging Advocacy Fund grantees on its website.

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Hawaiʻi Appleseed Center for Law & Economic Justice advocates for economic justice for and with Hawaiʻi’s people in order to achieve their vision of a Hawaiʻi where everyone can meet their basic needs while living happy, healthy and creative lives.

Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network (HCAN) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the only one in the state of Hawaiʻi solely committed to advocating for children. HCAN addresses the root causes of poverty and inequity and develops public policies that help children and their families.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank is a non-profit 501(c)(3) agency that distributes food to those in need through a network of more than 200 partner agencies. Its mission is to nourish our ʻohana today and fight to end hunger tomorrow.

Hawaiʻi Public Health Institute (HIPHI) is a hub for health. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, HIPHI’s mission is to advance the health and wellness of the people and islands of Hawai‘i.

Inspired by Jewish values and ideals, MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger is a national advocacy organization working to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the United States and Israel. For more information on MAZON, please visit mazon.org.