Kupuna ‘Ai Program

Sust’ainable Molokai News Release

Help us continue to provide fresh, locally grown foods to our island’s kupuna!

We’re thrilled to announce the ongoing pursuit of our Kupuna ‘Ai program, which allows community members to purchase fresh, locally grown food boxes and donate them for delivery to local kupuna in need. We’re collaborating with organizations such as the Molokai Rural Health Community Association, which has active kupuna programs, to deliver weekly community supported agriculture (CSA) boxes containing locally grown foods like kalo pa’a, bananas, papaya, and eggs via the Sustʻainable Molokai Mobile Market completely free of charge to our island’s kupuna. 

The Kupuna ‘Ai program was launched in March and is a way for us to give back to the community and support our kupuna, who have played such a vital role in shaping our island’s culture and history. Many of our kupuna are facing food insecurity and health issues, and we believe that it’s our responsibility to help ensure that they have access to fresh, healthy, and locally grown foods.

We’re proud to be working with the Molokai Rural Health Community Association and other community partners to make this program a reality. The Kupuna ‘Ai program is an opportunity for us to come together as a community and support our most vulnerable members.

Currently we have 233 Kupuna ʻAi boxes purchased! We hope to inspire others who have the resources and opportunities to help us feed our kupuna to consider gifting to this weekly program with us. Your support will help us to continue to provide fresh, locally grown foods to our island’s kupuna and ensure that they have access to the nutrition they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Purchasing a Kupuna ʻAi box can be found at Sustʻainable Molokai’s Mobile Market website:  MolokaiMobileMarket.com/Products. The Mobile Market opens on Sundays at 3 p.m. and closes on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. 

Mahalo for your support of the Kupuna ‘Ai boxes program. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our island’s kupuna and help to build a stronger and more resilient community for all.

The Sustʻainable Molokai Food Hub’s mission is to align the local food supply with our community’s needs, increase the total food production on Molokai, and ensure that everyone has access to affordable, local, healthy food. 

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call the Mobile Market’s Office at (808) 658-5234 or email Niles James, Manager – Food Hub, at Niles@sustainablemolokai.org