New 6-month pilot program to provide fresh farm produce to Maui kūpuna

The County of Maui Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the County Department of Human Concerns and Kula-based Okoʻa Farms, will launch the Locally Grown Healthy Food for Kūpuna Program this September to expand access to healthy, fresh, locally sourced foods at senior congregate dining sites on Maui.

Funded by the County Department of Agriculture and facilitated by the County Department of Human Concerns’ Office on Aging and Kaunoa Senior Services, the six-month pilot program will provide supplemental, local food bags to 100 Kaunoa Senior Center kūpuna each week starting in September.

“When locally grown food is used to fill produce bags and prepare meals, there are fewer steps between the farm and our kūpuna’s plate. This means fresher, healthier food for our seniors, stronger connections with local farmers and greater investments in Maui’s agricultural community,” County Director of Agriculture Rogerene “Kali” Arce said. “The Locally Grown Healthy Food for Kūpuna Program advances the goals of our department’s Food Security and Nutrition Plan by reducing chronic hunger, improving nutrition and keeping more food dollars in our Maui Nui community.”

Okoʻa Farms will assemble weekly food bags with fresh, seasonal produce and prepared items from its Upcountry fields and Maui farm partners, then deliver them on a rotating schedule to Kaunoa Senior Services congregate dining locations across Maui.

The County’s Congregate Dining Program provides nutritious meals and social engagement opportunities for older adults. These services are a vital component of the County’s efforts to support healthy aging, reduce social isolation and promote food security among kūpuna.

“Receiving the freshest produce on the island will help our elders live longer, more healthy, productive lives,” Kaunoa Senior Services Administrator Ruth Griffith said.

Okoʻa Farms sees the partnership as a way to give back to kūpuna who helped shape 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,” Okoʻa Farms co-owner Ryan Earehart said. “Being able to bring them fresh, locally grown, organic food each week is an honor and a privilege.”

The Locally Grown Healthy Food for Kūpuna Program pilot will assess options to integrate locally sourced foods into Kaunoa Senior Service programs and will be evaluated after six months to determine if the program can be continued or expanded.

For more information, contact the County Department of Agriculture via website, mauicounty.gov/agriculture, phone, 808-270-8276, or email, agriculture@mauicounty.gov.