HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0158.037 2024-2026From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Council Members,
Dillon Crum
Monday, June 2, 2025 4:21 PM
Council Testimony
Food Security
P /5. CounCA [
1i[I 3(
Comm- 168
My name is Dillon Crum, and I am a staff member with The Food Basket's K6kua 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 $2 million.
Programs like Malama da Farmer, Resilience Hub Food Distribution, and K6kua Harvest are the
backbone of local food access on our island. They not only feed our kupuna, keiki, and working families,
they strengthen our farmers, reduce waste, and build community resilience. I have witnessed this time
and time again when I distribute locally sourced produce to our incredible food pantries. Many of them
do not receive fresh produce and the joy in recipients faces when they get to take home a piece of fresh
produce is unlike anything.
With anticipated Federal and State funding cuts, we cannot afford to let these programs falter. A
dedicated county funding stream will help us continue to grow, harvest, and share local food, right here
at home.
Please prioritize food security in this year's budget. Our island's well-being depends on it.
ZA
o:�
C4=
Mahalo for your time and service to our island.
�?
w
C:) -<
Sincerely,
_,
�M
N
)�
N
Dillon Crum
NORTH & SOUTH HILO HARVEST LEADER
Office: (808) 437-3044
THE
FOOD BASKET
OFP•0�$ HAWAI'I ISLAND'S FOOD BANK
ew•
1284 Kilauea Ave. Unit 1B, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 map other
locations
hawaiifood basket.ora
C0Mrmn, 4 D •�
Rer. To:, 1
Ref. Dc4e UN - 5 2025