Launched in March 2020 as a collaborative initiative between Chef Hui and Aloha Harvest, #FeedThePeopleHI addresses food insecurity while minimizing food waste in Hawaii's food system. The program, which honors both organizations' missions, initially mobilized unemployed chefs during the COVID-19 pandemic to transform rescued bulk food into nutritious meals for communities in need. This local initiative rapidly evolved into a comprehensive statewide program offering individual portions, family-style meals, and innovative Mahi'ai Meal Kits featuring locally grown farm-fresh ingredients and chef-crafted easy-to-follow recipes.

Building on its successful crisis-response origins, #FeedThePeopleHI is now a permanent program under Chef Hui in collaboration with Aloha Harvest. Through strategic partnerships and a network of coproducers, sponsors, chefs, volunteers, and community organizations, we're revolutionizing the approach to food rescue and meal distribution in Hawai‘i.

This collaboration will now include processing gleaned local fruits and vegetables and rescued products from Aloha Harvest into nutritious prepared meals and incorporating shelf-stable products to provide comprehensive food support to partner agencies serving the community. Together, we look forward to expanding our impact and continuing our shared mission of nourishing our communities..

We work to strengthen Hawai‘i's food system through three core initiatives:

• Expand Access to Nourishing Meals: Through our network of culinary professionals and volunteers, we transform rescued, donated, and local ingredients into prepared meals. By returning these meals to our trusted partners for free distribution through their networks, we create a full-circle system that maximizes community impact while strengthening existing relationships.

• Reduce Food Waste Through Innovation: Implementing efficient food rescue operations that transform bulk ingredients into family-style meals, preventing waste while feeding our community.

• Build Community Food Resilience: This collaborative program aims to strengthen community food networks by connecting partners and breaking down silos. #FeedthePeopleHI challenges perceptions about food waste while empowering families with simple and fun culinary skills—teaching creative ways to use "imperfect" produce, rescued foods, and food assistance resources like Double Bucks and pantry items. Through chef-curated meals, education and practical knowledge, we're building a more sustainable and resilient food system.

Beyond meal distribution, #FeedthePeopleHI is often combined with other Chef Hui initiatives, including interactive cooking demonstrations and special events that celebrate Hawaii's diverse food culture and strengthen social connections.

This comprehensive approach creates a sustainable cycle of food rescue, meal creation, and community education that benefits both recipients and the broader food system.

Through this enhanced program, Chef Hui bridges crucial gaps in Hawaii's food security network while fostering a more sustainable, connected, and resilient community around food.