Introduction

We need a comprehensive approach to helping Hawaiʻi families put food on the table while supporting Hawaiʻi farmers during the pandemic. CARES Act funding presents an unprecedented opportunity to do so now. We are proposing a plan to spend $40 million on immediate needs between June and the end of 2020 that will set the stage for future food system resilience efforts in years to come.

The ideas in this document have been gathered from and vetted by dozens of Hawaiʻi community organizations, coalitions, philanthropists and working groups. These groups represent diverse interests, ranging from public health to food and agriculture to supporting working families. Let’s harness this opportunity to put community voices first and build a resilient food system for Hawaiʻi’s future.