Khalsa Aid International – Supports Maui
Grateful for the spirit of unity and compassion that continues to uplift our Maui community. Recently, we had the honor of welcoming Indy Narwal from Khalsa Aid International, visiting all the way from the UK. Pictured here with Sophelia Oberlander, our Director of Operations at Hungry Heroes Hawaii (HHH), and Cameron from Local Harvest, Indy was hosted by Naim Ferguson as he toured our hubs, cooperatives, and kitchens.
Khalsa Aid’s guiding principle, “See the human race as one,” has been a beacon of hope for many. They arrived in Maui shortly after the fires to start a food relief operation and, upon meeting our team, made an incredible decision—to fund all the produce we source, which we then organize and deliver. Since the fires, Khalsa Aid has supported this initiative with over $580,000 USD in funding for fresh produce. We’ve been able to deliver this vital support weekly to families in need.
As we look to the future, we need help to keep this essential program alive. From covering rent, maintaining and fueling our truck fleet, to ensuring our staff can continue serving our community, we are calling on our supporters for aid, especially as we approach the holiday season.
Join us in this mission of hope and resilience. Every contribution helps sustain the work that feeds and fortifies Maui.
#MauiStrong #CommunitySupport #HungryHeroesHawaii #KhalsaAid #AlohaInAction
World Central Kitchen Maui – Hawaii
Honoring World Central Kitchen: A Heartfelt Mahalo for Their Impact on Maui
In the aftermath of the devastating Maui wildfires, our community witnessed an outpouring of compassion and support from around the world. Among those who answered the call was World Central Kitchen (WCK), a humanitarian organization known for providing meals in the wake of disasters. WCK’s arrival on Maui marked a crucial turning point in our recovery efforts, and their impact on our community will be remembered for years to come.
From the moment the fires subsided, WCK sprang into action. With their unparalleled expertise in emergency food relief, they set up kitchens and partnered with local businesses, farmers, chefs, and volunteers to ensure that fresh, nourishing meals reached those most affected. Whether it was residents who had lost everything, first responders working tirelessly, or volunteers on the ground, WCK made sure no one went hungry.
The organization’s response was not just about food—it was about nurturing the spirit of aloha in a time of immense grief and uncertainty. Every meal they served carried with it a message of care, solidarity, and hope, reminding us that we are not alone. Through their work, WCK not only filled stomachs but also rekindled the hearts of many who needed it most.
WCK’s ability to mobilize quickly, integrate with local efforts, and use food as a way to build community was nothing short of inspiring. Their presence on the island embodied the values we hold dear—compassion, resilience, and service to others. At a time when logistics were overwhelming and access to basic resources was challenging, they seamlessly collaborated with local groups and farmers, aligning their mission with the spirit of Aloha ʻĀina by sourcing locally whenever possible.
The meals provided by WCK were far more than sustenance—they became a symbol of hope and connection. With each plate served, they reminded us that healing begins when we come together, support one another, and share in life’s most basic joy: a meal prepared with love.
On behalf of our community, we extend our deepest mahalo to World Central Kitchen for their tireless efforts. Their impact went far beyond the food they provided—it restored a sense of belonging, dignity, and hope for the future. The wildfire recovery on Maui is a long road, but with partners like WCK, we are reminded that we are not walking it alone.
As we move forward in rebuilding and strengthening our community, we celebrate World Central Kitchen for the profound difference they made in our lives. Their unwavering dedication and spirit of service will forever be a part of Maui’s story.
Mahalo nui loa, World Central Kitchen, for feeding both our bodies and our spirits when we needed it most.
News: October Newsletter ↯
Aloha
This month, we’re excited to share updates about our new kitchen, our partnership with Happy Opu, and how you can support our work as we expand to serve more of our community. As we settle into our new home, our mission as a Maui Non-Profit Organization to nourish and uplift Maui continues to grow.
Here’s what’s been happening at Hungry Heroes Hawaii:
Impact Since August 2023 Fires
Produce Distributed: Since August 2023, we’ve delivered over 178,158 pounds of fresh, locally sourced produce, equating to 356,316 meals for community members in need.
Meals from Our Kitchen and Partner Kitchens: Through partnerships with Hua Momona, Niu Life Kitchen, and Story Cafe, we’ve prepared and served 100,033 meals. A huge mahalo to our kitchen teams and partners!
Moving Into Our New Kitchen!
We are thrilled to announce that we’ve officially moved into our new kitchen space! After a year of rapid growth, this location provides an open prep area and a full commercial kitchen, allowing us to continue nourishing the Maui community. We’re grateful to Anuhea Chapel for their partnership and excited for this new chapter with Happy Opu, whose mission of health and wellness complements our work.
Stay tuned for more details about our collaboration with Happy Opu!
Help Us Outfit Our New Space
To maximize efficiency in our new kitchen, we need additional equipment, including a larger refrigerator for fresh produce. Please support us by contributing to our updated Amazon Wish List.
Or support us directly through GiveButter.
Lahaina is in the Heart: Supporting the Filipino Community
At a recent meeting hosted by Kaiser Permanente, challenges facing the Filipino community after the wildfires were highlighted, including displacement, food insecurity, mental health issues, and limited access to federal aid. Language barriers and the need for culturally appropriate food further complicate these challenges. We are committed to working with local organizations to address these needs.
Shoutout to Pohaku Park: A Refuge for the Westside Community
Since August 2023, Pohaku Park has provided essential support to the Westside community. Run entirely by volunteers, this hub ensures access to fresh produce and other essentials for those affected by the fires. We are grateful for the dedication and heart these volunteers bring to the community.
Thank You for Your Continued Support!
Your contributions—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—are the foundation of our mission. As we settle into this new chapter, we are filled with gratitude for the community that makes all of this possible.
Mahalo nui loa,
Sara Yamtich & the HHH Team
New Chapter: Opening Maui Central Kitchen in Kahului
🌱 A New Chapter for Hungry Heroes Hawaii! 🌱
News: Closing Anuhea Kula Kitchen – Opening Maui Central Kitchen
New Maui Central Kitchen: https://maps.app.goo.gl/DVwgBfF2prk1hB9YA
At Happy Opu 🙂
Our organization has grown and expanded so much over the past year that it was time to find a new home that fits us—kind of like a crab finding a new, bigger shell! 🦀💚 We’re excited to announce that we’ve moved into a beautiful new space in Kahului that meets all of our needs as we continue to grow and serve our Maui community.
We are so grateful for our time at Anuhea Chapel and everything that space and organization offered us. Their partnership helped us grow into what we are today, and we send them our best as we take this next step forward.
Our new kitchen is not quite ready for visitors yet (think of it like moving into a new house—still getting everything organized and cleaned up!). But stay tuned, because we’ll be sharing more exciting updates about our new space and partners very soon!
In the meantime, we’ll be sending out an updated Amazon Wish List with items we’d love to have in our new kitchen. And if you’d like to support
our mission, you can also contribute via our GiveButter page—every bit helps as we continue to nourish Maui with love. 💌
Mahalo for your continued support! More to come soon! 🌿
TAGS: Central Kitchen, World Central Kitchen Maui, Maui Kahului
#NewBeginnings #MauiStrong #CommunityKitchen #NourishMaui #HHHMaui
News: August Updates
As we close a month marked by the somber anniversary of last year’s wildfires, our resolve to nourish and heal Maui intensifies. August has been a period of deep reflection, a celebration of new beginnings, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability and resilience.
NOTE: As of September 12th, 2024 we have closed our Anuhea Chapel Location. We have opened a new Central Maui Kitchen in Kahului. Stay tuned for more updates!
Inside Happy Opu
60 E Wakea Ave
Unit 101
Kahului, HI 96732
https://maps.app.goo.gl/DVwgBfF2prk1hB9YA
Here’s a snapshot of our impact since the fires in August 2023:
- Produce Distributed: We have distributed over 144,416 lbs of produce! This comes to 288,832 meals delivered since the fires to those who need it.
- Financial Investment: We’ve invested $524,397 in procuring and distributing produce and meals from our partners, underlining the critical support needed to maintain our efforts.
- Meals from Partner Kitchens: Our kitchen efforts have resulted in 99,833 meals prepared and served to those in need. Partner kitchens include Niu Life, Papis Ohana, Anuhea Chapel, and Hua Momona. (Huge mahalo to our partners!)
New Website Launch
We’re thrilled to unveil the newly redesigned Hungry Heroes Hawaii website, crafted with care and expertise by co-founder and visionary, Naim Ferguson. Embodying our ethos, “Feed Hope & Nourish Maui, From Farm to Hungry, with Love!” the website serves as a vibrant portal for connection and engagement. This dynamic platform details our history and philosophical foundations, featuring a timeline that traces HHH’s journey from its roots to its current expansive impact.
It includes heartfelt insights from our Executive Director Rachel Tarver in a personal letter, echoing our commitment to the community’s foundational needs and the spirit of Aloha ‘Āina. Explore comprehensive sections dedicated to our purpose, partnerships, and the numerous ways you can support our mission—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Each page is infused with the depth and history that define HHH, making it a valuable resource for both locals and supporters afar.
Dive into our digital world where community care and sustainability intersect, and see how we’re turning compassion into action. Visit our new website and join us in nourishing bodies and souls across Maui. https://hhhmaui.org/
Empowering Our Team with MEO Support
We are thrilled to share a significant advancement in our workforce development, made possible by Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO). Through their invaluable support, HHH has been able to bring ten dedicated individuals onto our team. These hires are more than staff; they are vital members of our community who now enjoy greater economic stability as they contribute directly to our mission. This partnership with MEO not only enhances our operational capacity but also enriches the lives of those who work with us, allowing us to extend our reach and deepen our impact across Maui.
Each team member’s role is critical in delivering the essential services that define our commitment to nourishing and supporting our community. We are grateful to MEO for their role in this transformative collaboration, which underscores the power of local alliances in fostering sustainable community development. Reflecting on a Year Since the Wildfires This month marked the anniversary of the August 8th, 2023 wildfires, a day that deeply affected our community and landscape. As we honor this day, we invite everyone to reflect on the resilience of the land and our community.
This is a time to support each other, engage in stewardship, and transform our grief into proactive change for a sustainable future. If you’ve felt the call to do more, now is your chance to help us move from crisis response to long-term resilience. Every little bit helps. Consider setting up a recurring donation through GiveButter. Even $10 a month can make a huge difference in sustaining our programs. Set up your donation here. And if you’re on Maui for a day or a lifetime, your hands and heart can help nourish and uplift those in need. Join our ʻohana of volunteers! Learn more and sign up here.
We are thrilled to share some inspiring news from our Executive Director, Rachel, about our latest collaboration with Kaiser Permanente! As new grantees of Kaiser’s community programs, we are immensely grateful for their commitment to healing and wellness.
This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission, aligning with our goals of recovery and resilience. Kaiser’s support is not just a gesture of faith in our work but a crucial aid in these challenging times. We look forward to the dynamic advancements this partnership will bring to our programs and the broader Maui community.
Stay tuned as we unfold the impactful initiatives born from this exciting collaboration!
Partnership Spotlight: Maui Rescue Mission
This August, we are excited to announce our new partnership with Maui Rescue Mission (MRM), a vital resource dedicated to serving Maui’s houseless community. Every week, Hungry Heroes Hawaii delivers nourishing meals to MRM, ensuring that individuals seeking their services also receive a healthy meal. Maui Rescue Mission is committed to offering essential support and hope, providing services such as safe shower facilities, email access, free counseling, and more.
They are a sanctuary for those who have fallen through the cracks, facing challenges like substance abuse, mental health issues, and chronic illnesses. Together with MRM, we’re not just feeding bodies; we’re nourishing spirits and reinforcing a network of care that uplifts and empowers.
Learn more about their impactful work and how they’re making a difference at Maui Rescue Mission. This collaboration represents our shared dedication to healing and supporting our community, emphasizing that together, we can provide more than just meals—we can offer hope and transformation. Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Your support, whether through time, donations, or spreading the word, is invaluable. Together, we are making a difference. Every donation, every hour volunteered, and every word of support contributes to the strength and resilience of our community. We are immensely grateful for your continued partnership in our mission. Warmest aloha, Sara Yamtich & the HHH Team
News: July Updates ↯
- Major need for donations/funding to support our new project: Feeding Fire Survivors in NCS/Hotels
- Volunteers Needed ASAP
- Anuhea Meal Prep, Upcountry Drivers, Hua Momona Farms, Lahaina Meal Prep, West Side Produce Runs
- Volunteer links updated
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Coming up this month:
- New website coming online!
- Podcast with Lahaina community leader John Web: Discussing Housing
HHH