MISSION

Through the act of working together to share fresh produce, Kōkua Harvest connects and nourishes our island, builds stronger community relationships, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the food and resources our ʻāina (land) provides for us.

VALUES

1. Kōkua (the selfless helping of others)

2. Aloha (compassion for others)

3. Mālama (to take care of)

4. Laulima (cooperation of many hands)

We achieve our mission by harvesting and distributing excess produce from farms and private residents to community groups and individuals around Hawaiʻi Island. We work with volunteers who harvest the produce, then we team up with local community groups who distribute the harvests to their patrons.

WHY

Kōkua Harvest is dedicated to community. Hawaiʻi as a once sovereign nation has a long cultural identity tied to food and agriculture, including the sharing of food, and there is an increasing desire to be more food independent and less wasteful. Harvests offer our Hawaiʻi Island community the chance to connect with their food system and with each other.

To crop donors we offer people power, tools, and education to empower you to provide access to fresh fruits and vegetables for your fellow neighbors.

To volunteers we offer a safe community to share knowledge and skills with, opportunities to meet your neighbors and learn more about Hawaiʻi Island’s food system, and a fun, active way to spend a morning or afternoon in exchange for a portion of our harvest.

The beneficiaries of our harvests receive fresh, local produce at no cost to them.

HISTORY

In 2018 the County of Hawaiʻi Food Access Coordinator (FAC) identified the need for an island-wide food rescue program. In February 2019, the FAC, Program Director, and Program Manager presented the idea at a Hawaiʻi Island Food Alliance (HIFA) meeting. Through an inclusive and thorough discussion, the community shared their support and concerns for the project. As a direct result of that discussion, the program harvested its first crop in October 2019 and since then has harvested and distributed over 120,000 lbs. of fresh fruits and vegetables to residents in all nine districts of Hawaiʻi Island.

FOOD RESCUE IN HAWAIʻI NEI

While Kōkua Harvest is based on Hawaiʻi Island, we are proud to stand alongside many incredible food rescue organizations working across our pae ʻāina. Each island has its own dedicated program making a real impact in reducing food waste and feeding our communities. If you’re located outside Hawaiʻi Island or simply want to support food rescue efforts across the archipelago, we encourage you to connect with and uplift these partners:

Kauaʻi - Mālāma Kauaʻi

Oʻahu - Aloha Harvest

Oʻahu - Kōkua Tree

Maui - Common Ground Collective

Hawaiʻi Island - Out on a Limb

CONTACT

Lisa DeSantis, Program Manager
info@kokuaharvest.org
808.933.6030 (office)
732.616.2460 (cellphone)

Charlotte Leger, North & South Hilo Harvest Leader
charlotte@hawaiifoodbasket.org
808.825.8886 (cellphone)

Dillon Crum, North & South Hilo Harvest Leader
dillon@hawaiifoodbasket.org
425.241.0334 (cellphone)

Michael Bergin, Puna Harvest Leader
michaeljb@hawaiifoodbasket.org

Carlee Gillespie, South Kona Harvest Leader
carlee@hawaiifoodbasket.org
808.747.1244 (cellphone)

Dick Yates, Web developer and designer for Gleanweb