Published: Nov. 17, 2025 at 5:47 PM HST
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - There is new data on food insecurity in Hawaii, outlining the number of people across the islands facing some form of hunger.
The report, commissioned by Hawaii’s Foodbank Hui, found that one in three households lacked a reliable source of food between mid-2024 and mid-2025.
It was the second annual report, and estimated some 427,000 people often do not know where their next meal will come from and are forced to choose between food and other essential needs.
Amy Miller, president and CEO of the Hawaii Foodbank, shared a poignant story of a father of four who, despite being employed, relied on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. They would often run out days before the end of the month.
“He said, ‘Well I got to make sure my kids eat. I just tell them I’m intermittent fasting, so they don’t know,’” Miller recounted. “And this is just a reality for so many families. And we have to do something about it.”
The report also found the number of households with children experiencing food shortages due to financial constraints increased from 29% to 34%.
When analyzed by county in relation to their populations, Hawaii and Maui counties registered the highest insecurity percentages in the low 40s. Kauai followed at 32%, and Oahu at 25%.
“These findings are going to help us when we are presenting to our political leaders in looking for ways to solve the problem of food insecurity,” said Maui Foodbank CEO, Lisa Paulson.
Click here to view the report.
Adding to the challenge, food banks in Hawaii are facing a $4 million cut in federal funding, increasing their reliance on state funds and private donations.
Kristin Frost Albrecht, executive director for The Food Basket on Hawaii Island, issued a call to action: “Together we can build a more food secure and resilient future for Hawaii. We just have to hang on to that hope and that optimism.”
Researchers also noted that the current numbers might still be an underrepresentation of the true scope of food insecurity, particularly due to difficulties in reaching migrant and non-English speaking communities.
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