At Hawaiʻi Foodbank, we believe caring for our kūpuna is a shared kuleana.

Our elders are the keepers of ʻike, culture and stories that shape us. Ensuring they have access to nutritious food is one way we can honor and care for those who have spent their lives caring for us.

Yet many kūpuna across Hawaiʻi face challenges that make it harder to access the food they need. Health conditions may limit their ability to shop or prepare meals. Transportation can be difficult to find. Many live on fixed incomes, making it challenging to balance the rising costs of food, housing, utilities and medications. For some, social isolation can make these challenges even greater.

Hawai‘i Foodbank works alongside community partners to help remove these barriers. Through several programs designed specifically for seniors, kūpuna can access free food, fresh produce and resources that support healthy aging and active lifestyles.

Below are some of the programs available to support our kūpuna.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
Also known as the Senior Food Box Program, CSFP provides monthly food boxes designed to supplement nutrients that may be lacking in participants’ diets.

Each box contains items such as cereal, juice, milk, peanut butter, dry beans, grains, rice, cheese, fruits and vegetables, and other nutritious staples.

This program is offered through a partnership with the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Community Services.

Applicants must be 60 years or older and meet income eligibility requirements.

Learn more at HawaiiFoodbank.org/get-help/csfp

Kūpuna Fresh
Kūpuna Fresh helps increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables for seniors who participate in the Senior Food Box program.

In addition to their monthly CSFP box, participating kūpuna receive a bag of fresh produce each month. The produce often includes culturally meaningful, easy-to-prepare fruits and vegetables that support healthy eating and encourage balanced meals.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)
Each year, Hawaiʻi Foodbank partners with the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Community Services and the USDA Food and Nutrition Service to distribute coupons through the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.

Eligible seniors receive $50 in coupons (10 coupons valued at $5 each) that can be used to purchase locally grown produce, honey and herbs at participating farmers’ markets, roadside stands and farms.

Applicants must be 60 years or older and meet income eligibility requirements.

Learn more at HawaiiFoodbank.org/get-help/sfmnp

ʻOhana Produce Plus
Unlike federal kūpuna Programs, ʻOhana Produce Plus has no eligibility requirements and is open to anyone who needs food assistance.

Through partnerships with 45 hunger-relief organizations across Oʻahu, the program distributes shelf-stable foods, proteins, dairy products, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

For many participants, ʻOhana Produce Plus provides their only source of fresh produce each month.

Find a distribution near you at HawaiiFoodbank.org/get-help/find-food

SNAP Assistance
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), funded by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, helps low- and no-income households stretch their food budgets.

SNAP benefits can be used to purchase groceries such as fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, dairy products, meats, fish, chicken and cereals, as well as seeds or plants to grow food at home.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers free SNAP pre-screening, application and recertification assistance to help eligible households enroll.

Learn more at HawaiiFoodbank.org/get-help/snap

We’re Here to Help
Making sure our kūpuna have access to healthy, nourishing food is one of the ways we show gratitude and care for those who came before us.

If you or someone you know could benefit from these programs, we encourage you to reach out.

For questions about kūpuna programs:
✉ kupunaprograms@hawaiifoodbank.org
☎ 808-954-7879