Contributed by: Mark Noguchi and Chef Hui
Photo courtesy Chef Hui
Chef Hui, led by co-founders Amanda Noguchi and Omidyar Fellow Mark Noguchi believe in the incredible strength of uniting in the wake of adversity. The recent fires in Maui have left our communities and local businesses in need of support, and after standing up several successful programs during the pandemic, Chef Hui is honored to stand beside the people and businesses of Maui through four core programs: Feed the People Maui Food Hubs and Community Meal Kits; Maui Meals Program; ‘Ohana Hospitality Dinners, and a hospitality relief collaboration with the Southern Smoke Foundation.
Chef Hui Feed the People Maui Food Hubs apply a combination of donated and purchased ingredients to support local businesses who are utilizing their staff to provide culturally appropriate food, made with love and intention, to communities in need. Ingredients are both donated and purchased, sourcing locally as much as possible to create meals, meal kits, and curated produce boxes. As the community needs transition, we are simultaneously working to provide meal kits and locally-sourced produce boxes to families, community hubs, and partner organizations who assist with feeding efforts. Our current Food Hubs include Tails Up Maui lead by Chef Brian Etheredge, Merriman’s Kapalua and Monkeypod led by Chef Neil Murphy and his staff, Haven’s Maui led by Chef Zach Sato, Tiffany’s Maui led by Chef Sheldon Simeon, and many others. Chefs are utilizing a diverse range of culinary experiences which include crafting individual meals, preparing family-style, ready-to-heat cooked bulk meals, and even cooking onsite at community hubs.
The Maui Meals Program supports local restaurants and provides nourishment to displaced Maui residents. Chef Hui purchases meals and gift cards from local eateries and distributes them free of charge to fire-affected communities through organized events and community partnerships. This program aids restaurants that are struggling due to decreased visitors and offers healthy, locally-sourced meals to those in need.
Photo courtesy Chef Hui
Through the Chef Hui Maui Hospitality Relief Fund, Chef Hui is orchestrating ʻOhana Hospitality and Community Dinners, aimed at extending support to the displaced hospitality workforce impacted by the Maui fires. These gatherings offer a platform for industry peers to unite over a nourishing meal, complemented by live entertainment, fostering a sense of collective healing and solace. Additionally, these events will provide attendees access to valuable resources and expert guidance, facilitating their journey towards recovery.
As an additional gesture of support, each participant will be gifted an assortment of local produce, restaurant gift cards, grocery store gift cards, essential kitchen supplies, and more, all designed to alleviate their current challenges and provide tangible assistance during these challenging times.
On a national level, Chef Hui is proud to bridge the path between Southern Smoke Foundation and compassionate donors. In this collaboration, every dollar raised carries immeasurable impact—100 percent of the funds directly benefit the Maui food and beverage workforce. Southern Smoke Foundation’s unwavering commitment means they’re waiving all fees, magnifying the impact of contributions. As of today, 600 emergency relief applications have been received from Maui, with over 111 individuals funded so far, amounting to a remarkable $247,500 in direct aid. Southern Smoke and Chef Hui are still actively fundraising to assure all applicants can be funded.
Photo courtesy Chef Hui
To learn more about the programs or to make a donation, visit the Chef Hui Maui Relief website.
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