Help Hawai'i Regain Food Freedom!

Aloha friends,

For over a decade, the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation has been rooted in the islands, working alongside local communities to plant successful orchards across schools, community spaces, and backyards. From the lush slopes of the Big Island to schools on O‘ahu, these trees are now providing abundant harvests for families and students alike.

We are now looking for new spaces to plant the next generation of orchards, and we need your help. Do you know of a community space that would benefit from an orchard?

While we provide the expertise of FTPF staff (overseeing everything from planning to implementation), we rely on local partners to provide the foundation. While the majority of our work takes place on the Big Island, we are currently accepting applications statewide.

What makes a great partner?
Full details are available on our website, but general requirements include:

• Space & Care: Sufficient room (approximately 15 feet between trees) and a dedicated team for ongoing maintenance.

• Charitable Use: Fruit must support the community, such as feeding students, supporting food banks, or local sharing.

• Eligible Entities: Nonprofits, schools, government entities, or groups (such as Native Hawaiian organizations) facilitating community distributions. In line with our mission of food sovereignty, we give top priority to high-need areas and Native Hawaiian groups, but anyone who meets these requirements is welcome to apply.

If your site is selected, we don't just drop off trees. We provide the trees, the training, and the hands-on planting experience to ensure your orchard thrives.

Do you have an idea for a new orchard? Please visit our website to learn more and apply. If you aren’t in a position to plant yourself, please share this update with a school or organization in Hawai'i that might be a perfect fit!

Mahalo for your continued support as we work together to create a more food-secure and bountiful Hawai'i.