Lunalilo Home and Elepaio Social Services, two local nonprofit organizations that provide fresh local meals and produce to seniors across Oahu, received grants from Kaiser Permanente Hawaii totaling $125,000. 

Lunalilo Home received $75,000 and Elepaio Social Services, Inc. received $50,000, according to a news release.

Lunalilo Home and its volunteers deliver approximately 80 hot meals twice a week to adults 55 and over, many of whom are homebound or do not have reliable transportation to get food. The funds will support the organization’s Kupuna Meals-to-Go program in West Oahu.

For Elepaio Social Services, the funds will go toward its meal programs for the residents of Hale Moena, a low-income senior condominium in Kapolei. The ingredients for meals are sourced at least 50% locally coming from Waianae and Kapolei High Culinary programs, as well as organic produce from Waianae farms, feeding over 130 seniors each week.

“Access to nutritious meals is fundamental to the health of our community, especially our kupuna,” said Ed Chan, president of Kaiser Foundation Health Plans and Hospitals in Hawaii, in the release. “We’re proud to partner with these innovative organizations providing access to nutritious meals and enhancing quality of life for seniors.”

Throughout 2024, Kaiser Permanente has dedicated over $6 million through community grants and scholarships to improve health and wellness in Hawaii.