Farm Link just opened its first-ever grocery store and deli – Aloha State Daily

Report on the Launch of Hōʻiliʻili Market by Farm Link Hawaiʻi

Introduction: A Strategic Expansion to Support Sustainable Local Food Systems

The online marketplace Farm Link Hawaiʻi, a key facilitator connecting local food producers with O‘ahu residents, has expanded its operations with the launch of its first physical retail location, Hōʻiliʻili Market. This development marks a significant step in the company’s mission to strengthen Hawaiʻi’s food system, directly contributing to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The market, located at the former ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry site, aims to serve as a central hub for local farmers, ranchers, and artisans, enhancing consumer access to locally sourced goods.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The establishment of Hōʻiliʻili Market is fundamentally aligned with creating a more resilient and sustainable local economy. The initiative actively supports progress toward key SDGs through its operational model and community-focused programs.

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

Hōʻiliʻili Market directly addresses food security and access to nutritious food. A cornerstone of this commitment is a partnership with The Food Basket’s DA BUX program. This initiative contributes to SDG 2 by:

• Offering a 50% discount on all locally grown produce and poi for customers using SNAP-EBT benefits.
• Making fresh, healthy, Hawai‘i-grown food more affordable and accessible to low-income households.
• Reducing food insecurity by increasing the purchasing power of vulnerable community members.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The market fosters inclusive and sustainable economic growth by creating a direct-to-consumer platform for local producers. This model supports SDG 8 by:

• Providing a reliable sales channel for local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and brewers, thereby supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Creating local employment opportunities, including positions for renowned chefs Chuck Wakeman and Robert Urquidi to manage the in-house deli.
• Strengthening the local economy by keeping capital within the community and reducing reliance on imported goods.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

By centralizing a wide array of local products, the market promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. This directly supports SDG 12 through:

1. Shortening the food supply chain, which reduces transportation emissions and food spoilage.
2. Encouraging consumers to “swap out an ingredient” for a local alternative, as stated by CEO Claire Sullivan, fostering a culture of conscious consumption.
3. Showcasing products from sustainable and pasture-raised sources, such as 100% local lamb, pork, and Molokaʻi venison.

SDG 11 & 17: Sustainable Cities and Communities & Partnerships for the Goals

The name Hōʻiliʻili, meaning “a collection or gathering,” reflects the market’s role as a community hub that strengthens local food systems, a key component of SDG 11. This is achieved through strategic collaborations, underscoring the importance of SDG 17. Key partnerships include:

• A collaboration with Meadow Gold Dairy to reintroduce locally sourced milk to Oʻahu for the first time since 2018.
• The acquisition of equipment and training from Naked Cow Dairy to produce butter in-house using local cream.
• A cooperative effort with the temporarily closed ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry to feature its popular deli menu, supporting another local business during a challenging time.

Market Operations and Product Offerings

Consolidated Local Product Selection

Previously available only through online order and delivery, Farm Link’s extensive catalog of local goods is now available for in-person shopping. The market provides a tactile experience, allowing customers to engage directly with the “incredible bounty of local products.” The curated selection includes:

• Locally sourced produce and artisan honey.
• Pasture-raised meats, including house-made sausages and Molokaʻi venison.
• Fresh-baked goods from producers like La Tour Bakehouse.
• Local dairy products, including milk and house-made butter.
• Prepared foods and beverages from local artisans such as Mille Fete, ‘Ulu Mana, and Neko Koneko.

In-House Deli and Culinary Services

The market features a full-service deli managed by Culinary Manager Chuck Wakeman and Chef Robert Urquidi. The deli enhances the market’s value proposition by offering prepared meals made from the same local ingredients sold in the store. Initial offerings include:

1. A selection of sandwiches, such as the Italian combo, featuring local tomatoes and greens.
2. Sicilian-style pizza slices, a signature item from ‘ili ‘ili Cash & Carry.
3. Customer favorites like Choke Garlic Balls.

The menu is expected to expand, further integrating the market’s supply of fresh, local meats and produce into ready-to-eat options.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger

  The article highlights the mission of Farm Link and its new Hōʻiliʻili Market “to make good food accessible to all, while increasing local food production.” This directly aligns with SDG 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. The initiative to offer a 50% discount for customers using SNAP-EBT through the DA BUX program specifically targets food accessibility for vulnerable populations.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The business model focuses on “connecting local farmers and food producers directly to O‘ahu residents” and features products from “local farmers, ranchers, bakers and brewers.” This supports local small- and medium-sized enterprises, fostering entrepreneurship and contributing to the local economy, which is a core component of SDG 8. The article quotes the CEO saying, “It’s this accessible way we have to participate in the local economy,” reinforcing this connection.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  By creating a physical hub in Honolulu that gathers and distributes locally produced food, the initiative strengthens the local food system and builds resilience. It creates positive “economic… links between urban… and rural areas,” as mentioned in SDG 11, by connecting producers with a large consumer base in the city. The market acts as a community gathering place, as its name “Hōʻiliʻili” (a collection or gathering) suggests.

• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

  The entire concept of the market is to promote the consumption of locally sourced products. This encourages sustainable consumption patterns by shortening supply chains, which can reduce transportation emissions and food waste. The emphasis on a “selection of local stuff that’s now all in one place” encourages consumers to choose local alternatives, aligning with the goals of SDG 12.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article explicitly details multiple collaborations. These include the partnership with “The Food Basket’s DA BUX program” to provide discounts, a “partnership building with our friends at Meadow Gold Dairy” to bring back local milk, learning butter-making from Naked Cow Dairy, and collaborating with chefs from other local establishments. These examples demonstrate the multi-stakeholder approach essential to achieving the SDGs.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.1: “By 2030, end hunger and ensure access by all people, in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations… to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round.” The article’s mention of offering “50% off all local poi and produce for customers paying with SNAP-EBT” is a direct action to make nutritious, locally-grown food more affordable and accessible to low-income individuals.
   • Target 2.3: “By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers…” By providing a direct and reliable marketplace, both online and physical, Farm Link helps local farmers, ranchers, and producers sell their goods, thereby supporting their incomes and business viability.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.3: “Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and encourage the formalization and growth of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises…” The market serves as a platform for a “bunch of producers, farmers and community,” directly supporting the growth of local small businesses in the food sector.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.a: “Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas…” The market in Honolulu creates a direct and strong economic link between urban consumers and the local producers (farmers, ranchers) who are often located in more rural parts of the islands.

4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: “By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.” Promoting a food system based on local sourcing reduces food miles and the associated use of fossil fuels for long-distance transportation, contributing to more efficient resource use.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The collaboration with The Food Basket (a non-profit/civil society organization) on the DA BUX program is a clear example of a partnership aimed at achieving a social goal. Partnerships with private entities like Meadow Gold Dairy are also highlighted.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 2.1 (Access to food):

  An implied indicator is the utilization of the SNAP-EBT discount program. The number of transactions or the total value of discounts provided through this program would measure the initiative’s success in making food accessible to vulnerable groups.

• For Target 2.3 (Support for small-scale producers):

  The article implies several indicators:

  • The number of local farmers, ranchers, bakers, and brewers whose products are sold at the market.
  • The variety of local products available, such as Molokaʻi venison, local milk, house-made butter, and produce from various farms.

• For Target 8.3 (Support for small enterprises):

  A key indicator is the number of local small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are part of the Farm Link and Hōʻiliʻili Market supply chain. The article mentions a wide range of producers from Neko Koneko (lattes) to La Tour Bakehouse (breads).

• For Target 12.2 (Responsible consumption):

  An implied indicator is the proportion of goods sold that are locally sourced. The article strongly suggests this is very high, noting that for meats, “it’s all 100% local.” Tracking this percentage would measure the commitment to sustainable consumption patterns.

• For Target 17.17 (Partnerships):

  A direct indicator is the number and nature of established partnerships. The article explicitly names collaborations with The Food Basket, Meadow Gold Dairy, Naked Cow Dairy, and various local chefs, which can be counted and categorized to measure progress on this target.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: alohastatedaily.com