Maui Hub reaches milestone: celebrates over $2M paid to local farmers, ranchers, food producers

Maui Hub is thrilled to announce that it has surpassed a significant milestone, having paid over $2 million to Maui’s local farmers, ranchers, and food producers since its inception in 2020. This achievement underscores their commitment to bolstering Maui’s agricultural economy and ensuring the availability of fresh, high-quality local produce for our community.

By providing a reliable market for local producers, Maui Hub empowers them to focus on what they do best—increasing local food production and contributing to Maui’s sustainable food future.

Since its beginning as a COVID-19 response initiative, Maui Hub has grown into a vital support system for local farmers and food producers. The nonprofit, online grocery store is dedicated to providing a sustainable marketplace where farmers can thrive and where local food is accessible and affordable for Maui’s residents.

Some highlights of the programʻs accomplishments include the following:

• Total Funds Paid to Producers: Maui Hub has paid a total of $2,005,661 to local producers since 2020. This financial support is crucial for sustaining local farmers and small businesses, enabling them to focus on increasing local food production while contributing to Maui’s food security and economic resilience.
• Total Funds Paid in Salaries: The Hub has also invested $544,527 in salaries, creating jobs that are not dependent on the visitor industry. This investment in local employment promotes economic stability and growth for Maui’s residents, supporting the community’s resilience and reducing dependency on tourism-based income.
• Total SNAP Sales: Maui Hub has facilitated $729,301 in SNAP sales, making fresh and healthy food more accessible to all residents of Maui, regardless of their economic status. This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to ensure food equity and inclusivity across the island.
• Total DABUX Funds Received: Since 2020, Maui Hub has received $229,257 in DABUX funds. The DABUX program allows SNAP recipients to double their benefits when purchasing local produce, making healthy, local food options even more affordable. These are federal and state dollars that get routed directly into the pockets of our local farmers and ranchers.