The Maui News

‘Ai Hua fresh food vouchers are still available to Native Hawaiian families that have been financially impacted by or had a member contract COVID-19, program coordinator Maui Economic Opportunity announced Tuesday.

The program is funded by a $150,000 Office of Hawaiian Affairs grant and is intended to benefit both Native Hawaiian families who receive vouchers for fresh food and local farmers who provide products for farmers markets, according to a MEO news release.

The vouchers, with a maximum of $150 per household, are issued monthly based on family size for up to four months, or until grant funds are exhausted.

Vouchers can be used at local participating farmers markets and online at mauihub.org to purchase fresh local products, including fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, honey and meat, said Assistant Community Services Director Jennifer McGurn, who manages the program.

Applications are available online at bit.ly/3HCcrv0. Forms can also be obtained at MEO’s Wailuku office at 99 Mahalani St. or mailed out to individuals.

To be eligible, families must be residents of Maui island, have at least one household member who is Native Hawaiian and have at least one household member who contracted COVID-19 or was financially impacted by COVID-19.

Participants need photo identification of all adults, proof of Native Hawaiian ancestry and a recent 1040 or N-11 tax form.

For questions, contact McGurn at MEO by phone at (808) 243-4360 or email jennifer.mcgurn@meoinc.org.