Welcome to Update:Hawaii

Feed The Hunger Foundation Invites Low-Income Small Businesses to Apply for Loans

Denise Albano, President of Feed The Hunger Foundation, feeds a calf with Sabrina St. Martin, Co-Owner of Naked Cow Dairy.

$2,000 to $100,000 Loans Available for Wide-Ranging Food-Related Projects in Hawaii

 

Feed The Hunger Foundation (FTHF), an organization with more than $1.5 million to award in Hawaii micro-loans, invites low-income entrepreneurs and small businesses in the state’s food sector to apply for available funds. The foundation is dedicated to helping Hawaii achieve economic resiliency through innovative and sustainable solutions. Since 2009, FTHF has provided loans enabling more than 35 low-income entrepreneurs on Oahu to start and expand their small businesses.

 

“Among the wide-ranging entities that Feed The Hunger Foundation invests in are young farmers who work to bring new technology and resilience to food production and groups of food producers sharing infrastructure such as tractors, cold storage, packaging areas and storefronts,” said Denise Albano, FTHF President. “Additionally, two of our top goals are to help build a diverse agriculture and aquaculture base, and to improve the food distribution system on Oahu,” she added.

 

Past FTHF loan awardees in Hawaii have included entrepreneurs who purchased equipment and supplies for a highly efficient aquaponic fish and vegetable system; opened a small cafe dedicated to using local ingredients; took courses to become a commercially licensed driver; and opened a business serving ethnic foods.

 

FTHF is able to extend an increasing number of loans thanks to generous donations made by organizations such as the Economic Development Administration of the Department of Commerce, which recently awarded $1 million to the foundation.

 

“There are many who would like to contribute to the movement for a self-sufficient food system in Hawaii but many are in need in of funding to get their projects off the ground,” said Patti Chang, chief executive officer of FTHF. “We are able to consider applications from any entrepreneur who shares our desire to advance Hawaii’s food system,” she added.

 

Loans are granted on an ongoing basis and applications may be made at anytime. For information about FTHF, visit www.feed-hunger.com. For further information and to apply for a loan, contact Denise Albano at denisealbano@feed-hunger.com.

 

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