Hawaii Island’s Food Basket braces for ‘devastating’ federal funding cuts
The agency provides meals for 60,000 people every month, and officials are worried about their ability to meet the growing community needs.
Hawaii News Now | By Lynn Kawano
Published: Jun. 9, 2025 at 4:16 PM HST
HILO - Hawaii Island has the highest rate of food insecurity in the state, according to a recent survey.
Fifty percent of the Food Basket’s overall budget comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and looming federal budget rollbacks could have devastating impacts to the island’s food bank.
The agency provides meals for 60,000 people every month, according to the agency managers. The total population of the county is 205,000, so more than a quarter of the island depends on it.
“This federal support is very, very needed,” said state Sen. Tim Richards, who represents North Hilo, Hamakua, Kohala, Waimea, Waikoloa, and North Kona.
