Land, legacy, and thriving communities for all

This May, as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, we invite you to journey to the Hawaiian island of Oahu, to Waianae, and meet Jesse. His story is one of many in the broader network of communities that Feeding America partners with. It isn't just about food; it's about community, resilience, and heritage.

Jesse in HI, Feeding America friend and partner

Jesse recalls, "I grew up in Waianae and I got to learn and experience a lot of things here. Through those experiences of growing up in an underserved community, you start to understand the importance of a lot of things, especially food."

He explains, "In ancient times, Waianae used to be a stronghold for food. We had places called local heʻeia, or fishponds, where you could get fish. And Waianae Valley was loaded with kalo [or taro]. We had an abundance of food."

But today, that community abundance is harder to find—even though Waianae is a farming community. Much of the produce grown there is sold to restaurants or hotels, and what's left is often far too expensive.

Jesse is working to change this through his role managing food systems initiatives at ʻElepaio Social Services, a local organization supporting the Waianae community. "Connection to food is everything," he emphasizes.

Part of this work involves understanding the legacy and kuleana (responsibility) tied to traditional foods, and reconnecting people, particularly Native Hawaiians, to not only their food, but also their shared culture. Another key aspect of this work is organizing food distributions for ʻElepaio Social Services.

In partnership with the Hawai'i Food Bank—a Feeding America member food bank—these distributions aim to increase access to culturally preferred, healthy foods right within the community. In 2022 alone, this partnership helped serve nearly 4,500 households.

"When you talk about connection to food, you're talking about the participation of our people in the food system process. And you're talking about them eating healthier food. That's the important thing," Jesse says.

Jesse's story reveals the enduring strength of local initiatives. His work is just one of many examples of how Feeding America partners with communities to foster greater access to food and create opportunities for neighbors to thrive.

This AAPI Heritage Month, and every day, we honor stories like Jesse's. It's through these local connections, these threads of community, food, and history, that we weave a stronger fabric against hunger.

Thank you for being a part of this vital work.

— Feeding America

P.S. Want to help support people like Jesse and their communities? Make a gift to Feeding America today.