Every now and then you hear about the great use of federal funding to meet a great need. This is one of them. The Hawaii Congressional delegation announced that the Economic Development Administration will award $1 million in federal funding
Every now and then you hear about the great use of federal funding to meet a great need. This is one of them.
The Hawaii Congressional delegation announced that the Economic Development Administration will award $1 million in federal funding to the Feed the Hunger Foundation to establish a new revolving loan fund that will provide loans to new and expanding small businesses in Hawaii.
The funding is expected to create and retain 120 jobs in Hawaii and help to expand Hawaii’s agricultural job market, contribute to the development of a growing, self-sufficient food system throughout the state, and increase access to locally sourced, healthy food.
This is wonderful news and we applaud all those who supported this. But then, how could you not? Expand the job market? Develop self-sufficient food system? Increase locally sourced food? Everyone should support such a program. It will be $1 million well spent. Kauai, in particular, could use help in all these areas cited for improvement under this program.
Our leaders in Congress were all for it, as they should be.
“Investing in our local agriculture industry, along with expanding access to fresh, nutritious food, is crucial to improving the health and well-being of people all across Hawaii and decreasing our reliance on costly food imports. This funding will bring jobs and investment to our local farmers and small business owners working towards a more sustainable, food-secure Hawaii,” said Rep. Tulsi Gabbard.
“This funding will strengthen our local food system and help small businesses,” said Sen. Brian Schatz. “By boosting technical assistance and lending, we can help businesses expand so they can hire more people and further develop local economies.”
“Our small businesses and local farms understand the unique challenges Hawaii faces in providing access to affordable, nutritious and locally grown food,” said Sen. Mazie Hirono. “By investing in Hawaii’s agriculture workforce, today’s grant funding will help get more locally sourced, healthy food into our under-served communities and strengthen our food system.”
“Investing in the growth and sustainability of Hawaii’s agriculture is vital. Once established, this revolving loan fund will leverage private dollars to support Hawaii’s small businesses and communities to grow our agricultural industry. Congratulations to the Feed the Hunger Foundation on this substantial award and mahalo for your contributions to Hawaii’s food security and economy,” said Rep. Colleen Hanabusa.
There must be accountability for the use of federal funding. We are confident when this money is spent, its impact will have benefited those in Hawaii who must need it.
