As federal support fades, farm to families could fill the gap

With federal cuts threatening key nutrition programs, Hawaiʻi’s food banks are preparing for a crisis. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and other federal programs are at risk. With millions of dollars in federal food shipments canceled, the stability of emergency feeding programs across the state is under threat and local food banks are scrambling to fill the gap. Now, more than ever, investing in local food systems through programs like Farm to Families is a necessary strategy to build Hawaiʻi’s economic resilience and reduce food insecurity.