Our mission and vision
MISSION: Our mission is to engage youth in policy and systems change efforts that result in a just and equitable local food system for a healthier Hawai‘i.
VISION: We envision a Hawai‘i where youth are engaged and empowered in creating healthy, local food systems that instill a sense of place and purpose for all people in connection with the ‘āina.
Founded in 2019 and launched in February 2020, the Hawai‘i Youth Food Council (HYFC) is a group of motivated students from public, charter, and independent high schools from across the State of Hawai‘i. HYFC is a program of the Hawai‘i Farm to School Hui and Hawai‘i Public Health Institute. Learn about our current members HERE!
Adult Ally Partners
The HYFC is supported by our Adult Allies; a group of youth and food advocates, community members, farmers and public officials. Their goals include...
- Assisting in the development of youth leadership skills;
- Assisting youth in developing and carrying out relevant projects;
- Increasing the prevalence of youth voice in food system efforts and networks; and
- Providing guidance and mentorship to youth.
HYFC Coordinator: OLIVIA WHITTEMORE
Beginning in January 2021, Olivia "Liv" Whittemore is the Coordinator for the Hawai‘i Youth Food Council. Originally from coastal Massachusetts, she earned her B.A. in Environmental Studies and International Relations from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont. She has over seven years of experience in the non-profit sector with a focused mission to enhance local food systems as a farmer, 4-H counselor, and community organizer. She looks forward to drawing from these experiences to support the council members in their efforts from her new home on O‘ahu.
The Coordinator position is funded by USDA's SNAP-Ed Program through the Department of Health. This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.