LIHU‘E — The Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau, in collaboration with Matthew Oliver of the Makai and Mauka Sushi, introduced a web-based computer program to buy and sell Kaua‘i-grown produce.
“It’s like an online farmers market,” said Johnny Gordines, president of the KCFB. “Try Eat Hawai‘i helps the farmers and shoppers connect with each other.”
The program, Try Free Hawai‘i, is currently available to use by the community.
Under the program, farmers are able to produce an inventory of available produce, and buyers can purchase directly from the farmer. A map showing the location of the farmer is also available to help shoppers with their selections.
“This program is like a virtual local shopping food hub, providing Kaua‘i with the means to sustain the local economy and minimizes the reliance on imports — especially during emergency situations,” Gordines said.
KCFB pointed out the advantages of using Try Eat Hawai‘i that include buying local produce and products directly from the farmer, similar to a farmers market transaction by arranging payment and delivery with the farmer.
Shoppers are able to search for the most competitive pricing based on the quality of the produce or product, and the website is open to any buyer, including family members, business, nonprofit organizations, restaurants, retail outlets, chefs, schools, and visitors.
Farmers interested in participating need to create an account with Try Eat Hawai‘i before inputing their products.
Buyers simply access
tryeatHawai‘i.com, select the products they want, and complete the transaction by finalizing arrangements with the farmer.
Try Eat Hawai‘i was created in the face of farmers markets shutting down in the face of the COVID-19 as a way to connect farmers with shoppers.
Information: Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau at admin@kauaicountyfarmbureau.org. People need to leave their name, a numerical phone number to contact, and the question they need answers to.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
