Written by Jamesie Kai‘aokamālie Spencer, Blue Zones Project - Hawai‘i Ambassador

In the original Blue Zones^® areas, people live notably longer and healthier lives by following the Blue Zones Project Power 9^® principle of plant slant. These individuals consume plant-based whole foods reducing their meat, dairy, sugar, egg, and fish consumption. All year round, a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables that promote longevity dominate blue zones meals. 

However, not everyone can access fresh produce or may not know how to. Luckily here in Hawaiʻi, we have a climate great for gardening and a range of options when it comes to finding locally grown produce. Food hubs are great options that support small local farmers to gain access to consumers and larger markets. The working definition of a food hub is "a centrally located facility with business management structure facilitating the aggregation, storage, processing, distribution, and/or marketing of locally/ regionally produced food products" (Hawaiʻi Island Food Alliance). Food hubs increase access to fresh healthy foods for consumers across Hawaiʻi island. Support local! 

We have composed a list of food hub resources available in every Blue Zones community on the Big Island and Oʻahu. Great resources for those working on the Blue Zones Project Power 9 principles of plant slant and looking to be food self-sufficient. 

Hawaiʻi Farm-to-Car Program by Hoʻōla Farms

Hawaiʻi Farm-to Car Program by Hoʻōla Farms: Great program that supports local farmers and follows COVID-19 social distancing and sanitation procedures keeping the community safe. This program is an online farmerʻs market where consumers can find local fresh produce amongst other products in the East Hawaiʻi. Online marketplace available for purchases from Fridays at 10am until Mondays at 6pm. Distribution day is on Wednesdays from 3-6pm at the Puna Hongwanji Mission in Keaʻau. 

Big Island Farm Direct

The Big Island Farm Direct in West Hawaiʻi offers weekly fresh, healthy and vibrant foods grown and produced in Hawaii in an online grocery format. The Big Island Farm Direct is community based, committed to sourcing only locally produced foods as 100% of the farmers and producers are located in Hawaiʻi. All products are sustainably produced by local farmers and producers who work hard to make our local food system sustainable, strengthening our local food system. Weekly offerings include a wide array of locally produced foods making a healthy diet easy! Customers purchase online each week, Mondays through Wednesdays, and pick up is available on Saturdays between 2-4pm at the Keauhou-Kahalu'u Heritage Corridor.

Kohala Food Hub

Kohala Food Hub brings local foods to you, featuring farmers and value-added producers from North Hawaiʻi. Kohala Food Hub is an online marketplace of sustainable and tasty locally grown and produced foods in the Kohala area of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Farmers work to meet growing demands and serve the Kohala Farm to School program. Ordering from Kohala Food Hub helps to support the farming community, economy, and regenerative agriculture practices preserving the 'āina for future generations. Every week, Kohala Food Hub provides pay-what-you-can Kupuna Care Bags full of fresh local produce to the elders of Kohala Loko. Online ordering is open Fridays at 3 p.m. through Mondays at 11 pm and pickups are available on Wednesdays from 12:30 pm - 5 pm at Kohala Food Hub (55-230 Hoea Rd, Hawi, HI). 

Kahumana Farm Hub

Kahumana Farm Hub aggregates and distributes produce from backyard growers, wild foragers, and small family farmers on O‘ahu's Leeward Coast creating income opportunities, preventing food waste, and cultivating relationships with food producers in the community. The farm hub helps to share Waianae's native abundance and high quality produce across the island in every community. Open by appointment only.