Feed Kona Program

Ka’ea and Lily have been involved in community outreach in Hawai’i since childhood. Attributable to their reputable abilities to unite local partners and distribute nutritious food and supplies to vulnerable families and individuals island wide, KIK has been able to partner with the following: The Kona Grill House, Hilo Farmers Market vendors, the County of Hawai’i, Hawai’i

Community Economic Opportunity Council (HCEOC), Food Basket, local Ranchers (including Tom Pace), local fisherman, the Ironman Foundation, Konawaena Elementary, Ke Kula ʻo ‘Ehunuikaimalino, Hōnaunau Elementary, Ho’okena Elementry, families in the last fishing village of Miloli’i, Hope DIA (Mend Ministeries), Kona Faith Center, Ma’ona Gardens, and volunteers from KIK Hālau. Each of our existing local partnerships bring gifts that when united strengthen the whole.

The Kona Grill House is owned and operated by Bryan Fujikawa. He is heavily involved in community outreach and brings not only an ability to create and prepare nutritiously balanced fresh and frozen meals, but also connections to his network of local farmers, fisherman, and ranchers to sustainably source from. Sourcing locally allows KIK to directly increase the production of local agriculture and decrease local supplier’s dependency on the tourism industry.

By supporting local farmers reliance on shipped in produce is mitigated, local farmers sustain their livelihoods, and practices of land stewardship and community cultivation are supported. By partnering with the schools, we are able to reach those families unable to access DOE programs to ensure no child goes hungry. The Food Basket, HCEOC, the County of Hawai’i, and the Ironman Foundation have all pledged their support in varying forms including shared networking, volunteering, and donations which have allowed us to maintain our goals to date.