$125,000 in grants fight food insecurity among seniors

HONOLULU — Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii has distributed $125,000 in grants to fund two local nonprofit organizations providing fresh local meals and produce to seniors across Oahu. Lunalilo Home received $75,000 and Elepaio Social Services, Inc. received $50,000.

Lunalilo Home received $75,000 to support its expansion of the Kupuna Meals-to-Go program to West Oahu. Ai Pono meals — part of a comprehensive traditional Hawaiian nutrition program and inspired by the diet of Native Hawaiian ancestors — are prepared and delivered to 200 adults aged 55 and over, many of whom are home-bound or do not have reliable transportation to get food. With this grant, the seniors will receive meals twice weekly for 13 weeks.

“Access to nutritious meals is fundamental to the health of our community, especially our kupuna,” said Ed Chan, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plans and Hospitals in Hawaii. “We’re proud to partner with these innovative organizations providing access to nutritious meals and enhancing quality of life for seniors.”

Elepaio Social Services, Inc. received $50,000 for its meals program for residents of Hale Moena, a low-income senior condominium in Kapolei. The organization sources prepared food made from at least 50% local ingredients from Waianae High School and Kapolei High School culinary programs and organic produce from Waianae farms to meet the needs of more than 130 seniors weekly.

Kaiser Permanente is working to improve the conditions for health in the communities it serves. These grants are the latest in a series of contributions from Kaiser Permanente in Hawaii to help residents throughout the state receive vital support services that impact their overall health. In 2023, Kaiser Permanente dedicated over $3.1 million through community grants and scholarships to improve health and wellness in Hawaii.

To learn more, view this Living808 story.