Lanai Food Stimulus Program

The Lanai Food Stimulus Program is administered by the Maui County Department of Agriculture and is designed to support local agriculture while improving access to fresh, locally grown food for residents of Lanai. The program operates as a county-funded initiative with a total allocation of 70,000 dollars for the fiscal cycle. The selected awardee is responsible for implementing and administering a voucher-based food distribution system that directly connects Lanai residents with locally produced food available at the County Lanai Farmer’s Market. This initiative reflects Maui County’s broader commitment to strengthening local food systems, supporting small-scale producers, and increasing food security within isolated island communities. The primary purpose of the program is to stimulate the local agricultural economy by ensuring that funds are spent on food that is grown or harvested specifically on Lanai. Eligible food items include fresh produce and fruit, edible algae, poi, meat, fish, eggs, and honey. A key requirement is that at least 85 percent of total program expenditures must be directed toward food purchases, ensuring that the majority of funding directly benefits local producers and consumers. The program is structured so that vouchers are distributed to Lanai residents and must be redeemed on the same day they are issued, reinforcing immediate economic circulation within the local market. Eligibility for applicants includes nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and sole proprietors operating within Maui County. Organizations must be properly registered, in good standing with state and federal agencies, and able to demonstrate governance structures such as bylaws or operating policies that address conflict of interest and ethical conduct. Applicants are also required to submit a variety of compliance documents including a certificate of vendor compliance, IRS W-9 form, financial statements, and proof of business registration. Insurance coverage meeting specified liability thresholds is required upon award, along with documentation verifying the authority of organizational representatives to enter into contracts. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive proposal that includes a project overview, organizational experience and capacity, a detailed workplan, outcome measurement strategies, and financial documentation. Applicants must clearly describe how they will verify eligible residents, prioritize vulnerable populations such as kupuna and children, educate food producers, and ensure compliance with local sourcing requirements. The proposal must also outline methods for tracking program outcomes including the amount of food distributed, number of participants served, and support provided to local producers. Applications are evaluated through a structured scoring process based on criteria such as project description, organizational capability, workplan quality, evaluation methods, and financial proposal. The evaluation process is conducted in multiple phases to ensure fairness and objectivity. Applicants are notified of award decisions following the evaluation period, after which a contracting phase begins. The final contract is subject to approval by the County and includes requirements for reporting, financial tracking, and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The application timeline for the program includes an opening date of March 30, 2026, and a submission deadline of April 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM HST. Following submission, proposals are reviewed during April and May, with award notifications issued in May and contracting occurring between May and June. The period of performance begins upon issuance of a Notice to Proceed and extends for twelve months. Applicants are advised to plan program implementation approximately five months after submission to accommodate administrative processing timelines. The program operates on a cost-reimbursement basis, meaning that awardees must initially incur expenses and then submit documentation for reimbursement. Monthly invoices, receipts, and supporting documentation are required. Reporting obligations include quarterly updates and a final report detailing program outcomes and financial expenditures. While contract extensions may be granted, they are limited to exceptional circumstances and must be requested well in advance. The program does not explicitly state recurring funding, indicating that future opportunities may depend on continued county appropriations and policy decisions.

Ensure strong tracking and evaluation methods for food distribution outcomes; clearly demonstrate ability to verify local sourcing and resident eligibility; prioritize vulnerable populations as specified; align budget to meet 85 percent food expenditure requirement