CTAHR NEWS
5 May 2020

Markets for Farmers, Food for the Hungry

Hawai‘i Island food distribution system is a win-win

Markets for Farmers, Food for the Hungry

With farmers are being hurt by reduced sales and loss of markets during the COVID-19 crisis, the Hawai‘i Farm Bureau (HFB), in partnership with the County of Hawai‘i and generous non-profit entities, has developed a program to purchase produce and meats from commercial farmers and livestock producers on Hawai‘i Island for distribution to families in need. The Food Basket and other channels will distribute the products.

This program is intended for commercial farmers in active agricultural production on Hawai‘i Island. Membership in HFB is not required. Only locally grown produce and meat products are eligible, not value-added products.

The Food Basket determines what is needed and directs product purchases. Produce purchases are expected to begin the week of May 4, and payment for produce purchases will be processed weekly. Find out more about the program and apply here.

“This Farm Product Purchase program will help farmers and ranchers who have experienced drastically reduced sales due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will help communities affected by loss of jobs and greatly reduced income,” says Hawai‘i County administrator Susan Matsushima. “It’s an innovative partnership between Hawaii Farm Bureau, the County of Hawai‘i, and The Food Basket.”

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