The County of Hawai‘i Department of Research and Development, in collaboration with The Food Basket, is launching a $500,000 grant program to support projects that strengthen community food security and economic resilience across Hawai‘i Island.
The initiative, part of the County’s Improving Community Food Security Program, will provide funding to nonprofits and fiscally sponsored households to expand food storage and distribution capacity, purchase essential equipment, and enhance programs that directly support long-term food security.
“This program represents our commitment to investing in Hawaiʻi Island’s food security and resilience,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “By supporting community-based solutions, we can build more resilient food systems that serves everyone.”
Funding originates from the American Rescue Plan Act’s State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF), a federal program designed to address the public health and economic impacts of COVID-19.
A total of $50,000 will be allocated to each of Hawai‘i Island’s nine districts – North Kohala, South Kohala, Hāmākua, North Hilo, South Hilo, Puna, Ka‘ū, North Kona, and South Kona – with an additional $50,000 available in a general pool for high-scoring applicants countywide. Grants will be awarded up to $25,000 per organization, with additional funds available for collaborative partnerships.
Priority will be given to projects that increase cold, dry, or freezer storage, as well as equipment and supplies that expand the capacity and resilience of existing food security programs and services.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. Grant funds will be distributed by Dec. 1, 2025, and must be spent by June 30, 2026.
To apply, visit: www.hawaiifoodbasket.org/foodsecurityproject.
“The Food Basket is honored to collaborate with the County of Hawaiʻi to increase local food production,” said Kristin Frost Albrecht, The Food Basket Executive Director. “Funding for projects that strengthen the local food system, promote agricultural innovation and improve economic resilience, helps us to further our steadfast mission of ending hunger on Hawaiʻi Island.”
This program is in addition to the $710,000 granted in June through the Mālama Da Farmer program to 32 local producers who demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and expanding food production.
For more information about eligibility and application requirements, please contact:
Audrey Metzman, The Food Basket Community Food Security Project Coordinator at
audrey@hawaiifoodbasket.org or 808-933-6030.
