Food Is Medicine
Before the term ʻFood is Medicineʻ became widely used, The Food Basket recognized the connection between nutritious food and better health.
Over the years, we have partnered with local farmers to increase access to healthy, locally grown food while providing nutrition education and cooking classes. More recently, we have built on this foundation through three pilot initiatives aligned with what is now known as Food is Medicine. Each pilot paired locally grown food with people who needed it most, while helping us refine our processes and strengthen our partnerships in preparation for the launch of the Hawaii Medicaid 1115 Waiver Nutrition Support Services benefit.
Farm to Kūpuna
Our first pilot brought nutrition education and hands-on cooking classes to our kūpuna. 27 participants took part in our Farm to Kūpuna program which brought in a range of speakers with expertise in nutrition, healthcare and agriculture as well as a community member who shared an impactful story of his plant-based journey. Each of the 13 sessions included instruction on preparing plant-based recipes featuring produce grown right here on Hawaiʻi Island.
We partnered with Keaau High School’s agriculture, culinary, and media programs, the County of Hawaii Elderly Recreation Services Division, and the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy’s A.L.O.H.A. Project. Councilman Dennis “Fresh” Onishi provided $20,000 in funding for this program.
HGFA Food is Medicine Boxes
Working with the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, we procure and deliver weekly food boxes to 25 participants from Hawaiʻi Island Community Health Center. Each box contains fruits, vegetables, and protein sourced entirely from Hawaiʻi Island farms and producers. A $35,000 grant from HGFA made it possible.
Umeke ‘Ai Pono Food is Medicine Boxes
Our Umeke ʻAi Pono pilot follows the same model, serving 20 Kaʻu residents who are patients of Hawaii Island Community Health Center. Each week, participants receive a box of fruits, vegetables, and protein that is 100% grown on Hawaii Island. HGFA funded this pilot with a $30,000 grant.
What We Are Learning
Food is Medicine is not a handout. It is a bridge between the food we grow and the health of our community.
These pilots have reached more than 70 people, backed by $85,000 in grants and community funding, while creating a pathway for locally grown food to move from island farms to island tables.
Just as importantly, they have shown what is possible when healthcare providers, farmers, and community organizations work together.
Food is Medicine is not a handout. It is a bridge between the food we grow and the health of our community. These pilots have shown the value of investing in partnerships that improve health, strengthen local agriculture, and build a more resilient food system for Hawai’i Island.
