County to launch locally grown food program for kūpuna
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A six-month pilot program launching in September will provide fresh, locally grown food to 100 kūpuna each week at senior dining sites on Maui, according to the Maui County Department of Agriculture.
The Locally Grown Healthy Food for Kūpuna Program is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Department of Human Concerns and Kula-based Okoʻa Farms. The program is funded by the Department of Agriculture and coordinated through the Office on Aging and Kaunoa Senior Services.
Okoʻa Farms will assemble weekly food bags containing seasonal produce and prepared items from its Upcountry fields and partner farms. The bags will be delivered on a rotating schedule to Kaunoa Senior Services congregate dining locations.
County Agriculture Director Rogerene "Kali" Arce said the program will provide fresher food to seniors while strengthening connections with local farmers and keeping more of the money spent on food circulating locally.
The program is part of the department’s Food Security and Nutrition Plan, which seeks to reduce chronic hunger, improve nutrition and strengthen local food systems.
Kaunoa Senior Services Administrator Ruth Griffith said access to fresh produce can help seniors maintain healthier and more active lives.
Okoʻa Farms co-owner Ryan Earehart said the partnership is an opportunity to support kūpuna who helped build Maui’s communities.
"It feels wonderful to mālama our kūpuna with aloha -- they worked hard to build Maui and pave the path we walk today," Earehart said. "Being able to bring them fresh, locally grown, organic food each week is an honor and a privilege."
The county’s Congregate Dining Program provides nutritious meals and social opportunities for older adults while addressing food security and social isolation.
The pilot program will serve 100 seniors weekly for six months. County officials will evaluate the program at the end of the pilot to determine whether it should be continued or expanded to additional seniors and programs.
For more information, visit mauicounty.gov/agriculture or contact the Department of Agriculture at (808) 270-8276 or agriculture@mauicounty.gov.