Nourishing Our Community

Instead of a traditional fundraiser, Purple Maiʻa celebrated its 11th anniversary by launching "1100 Meals for 11 Years" in 2025. The initiative exceeded its goal by serving over 4,000 meals to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across Hawaiʻi, working with six community organizations statewide.

In 2025, we made a deliberate decision to lead with purpose and service during a period of growing uncertainty in the funding landscape. As the funding environment became increasingly competitive, we chose not to host our traditional annual “fun-raiser” event. Instead, we asked how we could honor our mission and anniversary in a way that directly supported our communities. The result was a shift from fundraising to giving back.

To celebrate our 11th year, we launched “1100 Meals for 11 Years,” an initiative to address food insecurity faced by many ʻohana across the pae ʻāina. By year’s end, staff, volunteers, and partners had collectively provided over 4,000 meals to individuals and families in need, exceeding our original goal and demonstrating what’s possible when we act together.

Meals were prepared and distributed in partnership with six community organizations statewide, supporting communities experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, and economic hardship. This statewide approach reflects our belief that leadership and service must be grounded in community and responsive to local needs.

TL;DR

  • Served over 4,000 meals

  • 6 Orgs served:

    • Keauhou Shelter

    • Family Promise of Hawaii

    • Maui Hui Malama

    • Hawaii Foodbank

    • Na Pulapula Inc (Big Island)

    • Puʻuokapolei

We contributed time, labor, and funds to meal preparation, packing, and distribution working alongside partner organizations. Beyond providing meals, this work created space for connection, reflection, and shared kuleana. Each service opportunity reinforced our commitment to caring for one another and leading with humility and aloha.

As we reflect on 2025, we are proud of the impact achieved through the “1100 Meals for 11 Years” campaign and the broader volunteer efforts it inspired. Providing more than 4,000 meals is a meaningful milestone, but it also serves as a reminder that food insecurity remains a pressing issue across our islands.

Looking ahead to 2026, we are committed to continuing and expanding this work. Building on the momentum of 2025, we plan to serve more meals, deepen partnerships with community organizations, and keep showing up to feed our people.