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Sent: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 8:01 AM
To: Amber Crum
Cc: Council Testimony
Subject: RE: Food Security
From: Amber Crum
Sent: Monday, June 2, 2025 9:56 PM
Subject: Food Security
Council Members,
My name is Amber, and I am a volunteer with The Food Basket's Kokua Harvest Program, which is part of our
island's vital food security network.
I'm writing in strong support of adding a "Food Security" line item to the Department of Research and Development's
Agricultural Contractual Services budget, with an initial allocation of $2 million.
Programs like Malama da Farmer, Resilience Hub Food Distribution, and Kokua Harvest are the backbone of local
food access on our island. They not only feed our kupuna, keiki, and working families, they strengthen our farmers,
reduce waste, and build community resilience.
With anticipated Federal and State funding cuts, we cannot afford to let these programs falter. A dedicated county
funding stream will help us continue to grow, harvest, and share local food, right here at home.
Please prioritize food security in this year's budget. Our island's well-being depends on it.
Mahalo for your time and service to our island.
Sincerely,
Amber
Comm. N �1 D• J
Ref. To:
Ref. Date UN - 5 2025