Food is Medicine

Mahalo for visiting Hoʻōla Farms!

Food is Medicine

Our Food is Medicine program provides fresh, locally grown and produced food to kūpuna, keiki, Veterans, caregivers, and families with limited access to nutritious meals.

Aligned with a growing national movement that recognizes food as a critical part of healthcare, our program applies the Food is Medicine model in a uniquely local way—connecting Hawai‘i-grown food with those who need it most. We source directly from Hawai‘i farmers and food producers, ensuring that every dollar spent stays in the local economy, supports consistent income for agricultural producers, and helps strengthen our food system.

This work is made possible through partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations that understand the unique needs of the people they serve. Together, we identify individuals and families—whether through health care referrals, nonprofit networks, or targeted outreach—and deliver nutrient-rich, culturally relevant food that supports healing, well-being, and connection.

Impact to Date

0 +

Individuals Served

We invite master gardeners & local experts to share their best practices with hands-on educational experiences. This allows us to offer a wide variety of agriculture, homestead, and gardening practices for our community.

0 +

Pounds of Local Food Distributed

Thanks to the dedication of local producers, we’ve distributed over 59,498 pounds of Hawai‘i-grown produce and proteins.

0 +

Hawai’i Farmers and Producers Supported

We source the produce and proteins from our network of 130 farmers and producers from our online famrers market, Hawai’i Farm-to-Car.

0 +

Partnerships

Through collaboration with over 10 partners—including healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations— we’ve expanded access to healthy food for those who need it most.

Program Highlights

Veggies for Veterans

In partnership with Kaiser Permanente and the Hilo VA CBOC, Veggies for Veterans provides 90 Veterans managing chronic health conditions with bi-weekly access to fresh, locally grown produce and proteins over a four-month period. All food is sourced directly from local farmers and food producers, supporting both veteran wellness and Hawai‘i’s agricultural community.
Learn More

‘Umeke ‘Ai Pono: DOE Food Box Program

Ho‘ōla Farms distributes 325 food boxes weekly, alternating between two elementary schools in East Hawai‘i, reaching 450 unique families. Each box is filled with locally grown produce and proteins sourced from Hawai’i farmers. This program is part of a statewide partnership to expand access to local food while supporting small Hawai‘i farmers and producers.
Learn More

Same Canoe

In partnership with Same Canoe, we distributed 318 food bags, each valued at $40 and filled with locally sourced produce, to community members in East Hawai‘i with limited access to healthy, nutritious food. Bi-weekly pickup were offered through our online farmers market, Hawai‘i Farm-to-Car.

Learn More

Kūpuna Market

Through our Kūpuna Market Program, we previously provided vouchers—made possible through generous donations—to help kūpuna shop our online farmers market, Hawai‘i Farm-to-Car. While the voucher program has ended, we continue to offer free delivery to the Mohouli Heights for all Hawai‘i Farm-to-Car orders. We also accept SNAP and DA BUX, making fresh, local food more accessible and affordable for kūpuna.

Learn More

Our Partners

Ways to Partner

We partner with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand access to fresh, local food. Whether you’re looking for full program support or just need help sourcing food, we offer flexible options to meet your needs:

  • Done-For-You: We manage food sourcing, logistics, and distribution.
  • Collaborative Distribution: We source and pack; you handle sign-ups and local delivery.
  • Sourcing-Only: We provide the food—you manage the rest.

Interested in partnering? Email us at grow@hoolafarms.org to learn more about collaboration opportunities.