PRE-PAID PRODUCE PROGRAM APPLICATION

Kauai Fresh (formerly known as the Hui Mea'ai) is a multi-award winning program that trains farmers to grow their own Grade A produce - then buys this produce and distributes it to local grocers, hotels, resorts, and restaurants under the Kauai Fresh label.

In 2000, Kauai Fresh formed a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program, and there are now over 50 growers in our Ohana.


This program fights hunger at the grassroots level, keeps Kauai green and rural, and promotes sustainable diversified agriculture and local economic development for the entire community. Kauai Fresh enables the smallest backyard grower to get a foothold in the local produce market and provides them with an income stream that through the multiplier effect contributes to the local economy in numerous ways. In 2004, Kauai Food Bank's Kauai Fresh injected over $395,000 into the pockets of 49 local farmers. All program revenues are dedicated to Kauai Food Bank operations.


Funding for the Senior Produce Program is provided by USDA through the Hawaii State Office of Community Service. From May through November 2004, Kauai Fresh supplied 1,260 Kauai seniors with their daily minimum nutritional requirements for locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. For a second year the program also served 1,850 Hawaii County Seniors over a four month period.