HI HB1699

Establishes the Hawaii Farm to Families Program under the Department of Human Services to provide funds to food banks for purchasing, storing, and transporting 100% Hawaii-grown produce to food insecure communities at no cost to recipients.

Addresses food insecurity affecting one in three Hawaii households, with 34% of children and 45% of parents/caretakers in households with children experiencing food insecurity.

Food insecurity disproportionately impacts Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Filipino households at rates of 36-47%.

Hawaii food banks distributed over 29 million meals in 2025 through 500+ agency partners and have partnered with 575 local farms and food hubs, including over $13 million invested in Hawaii-grown produce over five years.

Requires the Department of Human Services to report to the legislature before the 2027 and 2028 regular sessions; effective July 1, 2026.