HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0289.001 2024-2026�JMSYAOF M,
C. Kimo Alameda, Ph.D. Benson Medina
Mayor Director
•rt: ��^"•J��' Dennis Lin
7tE OF•Npl�
Deputy Director
County of Hawaii
DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
25 Aupuni Street, Room 1301 • Hilo, Hawai'i 96720-4252
(808) 961-8366 • Fax (808) 935-1205
E-mail: chresdev@co.hawaii.hi.us
May 16, 2025
Via email to
councilreferrals@hawaiicounty.gov
Laura.murashige@hawaiicounty.gov
Dear Councilmembers:
Re: Resolution 180-25: University of Hawai`i's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human
Resilience (UH-CTAHR) Cooperative Extension, Master Food Volunteer (MFV) program
Aloha Councilmembers,
Master Food Volunteer Program Summary
The University of Hawai`i's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (UH-
CTAHR) Cooperative Extension seeks $14,805 to launch a Master Food Volunteer (MFV)
program in Hawaii County to address the pressing need for food and nutrition education and
support local agriculture. As agricultural marketing and Extension capacity decline in Hawaii,
this initiative will train a cohort of food system advocates to expand the reach and impact of local
food promotion. Within the one-year grant period, the MFV program will:
• Train 10 certified volunteers to support food education and outreach across Hawaii
County
• Deliver cooking workshops and education programs promoting local food at schools,
food distributions, workplaces, and other community sites
• Revitalize promotion of Hawaii -grown products and support local food businesses
• Expand equitable food education access for families, adults, and youth across all 9
districts, fostering a healthier, more food -secure island community
County support for the Master Food Volunteer program development will build long-term
capacity for a resilient local food system through community engagement and education.
Respectfully,
Dennis Lin
DEPUTY DIRECTOR
CC: Benson Medina, Director
Joelle Hew Len Lee, Private Secretary pr n
Sarah Freeman, Economic Development Specialist Conran. b "l
Hawaii County is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer Ref' To;
Ref. Daia