Common Ground
With CDFI funding supports tropical
agroforestry leading to greater biodiversity
and more resilience, especially in the
face of climate change.
Funding Common Ground
The pandemic exposed a complex and broken food system, maximized for efficiency at the expense of equity and resiliency: crops were destroyed in the field as grocery shelves lay bare and lines at the food banks grew ever longer. Challenges like these prime us to discover solutions based in food security and agriculture as the way forward. By honoring Hawaii’s agricultural legacies and investing in a circular food economy, we can spark a process toward equitable food chains for the rest of the world.
Collaborating with Common Ground Kaua‘i and the Food Innovation Center exemplifies the type of public-private partnership that leverages public funds and private resources to create positive community impact. Together, we can drive change in our communities.
Monica Belz, Kaua‘i FCU CEO
At Common Ground, CDFI funding supports tropical agroforestry with multiple tiers of crops, from ‘ulu (breadfruit) to kava, leading to greater biodiversity and more resilience, especially in the face of climate change. Our support has helped to build a Food Innovation Center, a community food hub and incubator for farmers and food entrepreneurs that has financed 10 businesses and created 50 jobs.
The goal: a value chain that’s fully integrated, sustainable, organic and equitable for everyone, from the farmer to the food entrepreneur to the distributor.
Learn more about Common Ground’s Mission:
Common Ground Kaua‘i
4900 Kuawa Rd,
Kilauea, HI 96754
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COVID-19 Financial Counseling Program
Common Ground
