Exciting News: Mālama Da Farmer Grant Recipients Announced by The Food Basket – Discover the Winners!

The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank, recently awarded grants through the 2025 Mālama Da Farmer Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance local food production, empowering farmers and ranchers to bolster Hawaiʻi’s food security.

This year, the program distributed $710,000 among 32 local producers committed to sustainable agriculture. The awardees include a diverse mix of businesses, from coffee farms to livestock operations.

These grants are more than just financial support; they represent a commitment to strengthening the island’s food economy. According to Alexandra Haban, Food Hub Development Specialist at The Food Basket, the program is designed to uplift local agriculture and reduce food insecurity. “We’re providing producers with the tools they need to expand their operations,” she added.

Experts suggest that supporting local farms is crucial not just for food security, but also for resilience against global supply chain disruptions. As seen during recent crises, local agriculture can provide stability. In fact, a report by the USDA highlights that areas with strong local food systems were better equipped to handle disruptions during the pandemic.

The 2025 grant recipients illustrate the rich agricultural diversity on the island, covering everything from aquaculture to specialty crops. This variety is essential in building a self-reliant food system.

The Mālama Da Farmer grants form part of a larger strategy to support local farmers. This includes infrastructure improvements and market expansion, aiming for long-term sustainability. Funded by the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, the program works with the Hawaiʻi County Department of Research and Development to maximize its impact.

For more details about the initiative and grant opportunities, you can visit The Food Basket’s website.

Source link

$710000 total,2025 awards,32 awardees,american rescue plan,aquaculture,beekeeping,Big Island News,Big Island Now,collaboration with county,Department of Research and Development,Food Security,fruit farming,grant awardees,Hawaii County,long-term sustainability planning,Malama Da Farmer Grant Program,market expansion,rich agricultural diversity,specialty crops,support local farmers,The Food Basket,vegetable farming,