Food

In response to the federal government shutdown and its effects on SNAP food benefits, the state is setting aside $100 million to help eligible families with housing and utility payments.

By night, Louis Miller and Jon Holshue take on alter egos: the Pasta Boys at Proof Social Club, serving up fresh homemade noodles for the Chinatown crowds.

State Sen. Joy San Buenaventura of Hawaiʻi Island responds to the failure of the Pohoiki Boat Ramp dredging project; Louis Miller and Jon Holshue, aka The Pasta Boys, dish up homemade noodles at Proof Social Club in Chinatown

In an informational briefing with state lawmakers Thursday, state officials and nonprofit representatives said the fallout and uncertainty from shifting federal policies make it difficult for farming operations to grow, or even continue.

Recipients between 55 and 64 years old, parents with children over 13 years old, people experiencing homelessness, and youth between 18 and 24 years old transitioning out of foster care will be required to work at least 80 hours a month to qualify for SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.

The state has more than $400 million in unspent federal funds for a program to help low-income families. HPR’s Ashley Mizuo reports on why and how it will be spent as Hawaiʻi faces cuts to federal social service programs.

Author and professor Russell Fielding spoke to HPR's Maddie Bender about his soon-to-be-released book, “Breadfruit: Three Global Journeys of a Bountiful Tree.”

A $2.8 million federal grant is being used in a University of Hawaiʻi study that involves giving some patients funds for locally grown fruits and vegetables — and to see how the access to local and healthy food impacts high blood pressure and food insecurity.

Justin Parvizimotlagh began E.A.R.L., an East Coast-style sandwich shop, in an Oʻahu parking lot. In the decade since, the sandwich eatery has expanded to three locations and, more recently, became an internet sensation with a viral video series.

Gov. Josh Green extends an invitation to Pope Leo XIV to visit Kalaupapa; E.A.R.L. Hawaiʻi sandwich shop owner Justin Parvizimotlagh goes viral with a video series describing how his business got its start