With the Maui fires and Covid pandemic in mind, advocates cite progress in bolstering the food system but recognize there’s work to do.

As Hawaiʻi reels under the weight of hunger and the withdrawal of federal support for food security programs, the state’s food advocates are underscoring the importance of preparing now for the next disaster.

That means urgently addressing shortcomings in community relationships, government contracts, reaction times and the supply chain — applying lessons learned from previous emergencies such as the Covid-19 pandemic and 2023 Maui fires.

The confluence of state, county, private and nonprofit representatives who gathered this week for the Hawaiʻi Food System Summit in Wahiawā illustrated growing solidarity for preparing for the worst. County and state o

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