CTHAR Students Create Award-Winning Food Policy Proposal at Hawaiʻi Food Hackathon – Discover Their Innovative Solutions!

Maiah Iseminger and Daley Trost, students at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, recently won first place in the state’s first Food Policy Hackathon. This event gathered students from across Hawaiʻi to confront the serious issue of food insecurity. With rising food costs, these innovative minds worked to create solutions.

Iseminger and Trost proposed a program to help public school families ensure they have enough food during natural disasters. Their idea focuses on retrofitting kitchens and setting up food storage areas in schools located in hurricane evacuation zones. They aim to pilot this program in one school from every Department of Education complex.

“It felt great to use our creativity to tackle a real-world problem,” said Iseminger, who is part of the Institute for Sustainability and Resilience program. The two-day hackathon encouraged collaboration, leading participants to present policy solutions in concise, impactful five-minute pitches.

Trost, who studies natural resources and environmental management, shared his thoughts: “Seeing everyone work toward a common goal was inspiring. Being in the same room fosters respect for each other’s ideas.” Now, both students are developing a policy proposal to address food import reliance and insecurity in Hawaiʻi for their environmental policy course.

The hackathon was co-sponsored by the Stupski Foundation and Hawaiʻi Food+ Policy, which promotes sustainable food systems by empowering young advocates. A study from the USDA highlights that nearly 13% of households in Hawaiʻi face food insecurity, showing the urgency of such initiatives. Engaging young thinkers is crucial; they could shape a more resilient food landscape for the future.

This event not only sparked fresh ideas but also ignited a passionate conversation about how better food policies can uplift families in Hawaiʻi. By connecting students with real challenges, we can inspire the next generation of leaders in sustainability.

For more insights on food insecurity and sustainable practices, check out the USDA’s response to these pressing issues here.

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