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
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.