A "food system" refers to the complex, interconnected network of activities, people, and processes that influence—and are influenced by—the journey food takes from farm to table and beyond. It encompasses:

• All activities at every stage of the food supply chain, from production, processing, distribution, and consumption, to waste disposal.

• The social, economic, political, environmental, and health drivers that shape these activities, as well as the outcomes they produce.

• The individuals, communities, and organizations directly or indirectly involved in these processes.

• The intricate interconnections among all these elements.

Food systems exist at multiple scales. Oʻahu’s food system is a network of smaller, diverse systems, ranging from local community-based food networks to industrial-scale operations. It is also deeply embedded within and influenced by larger state, national, regional, and global food systems. 

Rather than addressing food issues in isolated silos, adopting a food systems approach calls for a holistic view that considers the interconnectedness of all aspects of the food system. It recognizes that actions in one part of the system reverberate across other areas, reinforcing the need to break down policy silos and encourage collaboration across sectors and disciplines. Ultimately, this approach acknowledges our shared pilina and that everyone—from keiki to kūpuna, and from every walk of life—has a role to play in shaping the future of our food system.

Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated how disruptions in one part of the global food system can have tangible impacts on our island's food security. Transforming our food system requires a clear vision and long-term commitment. An actionable plan will guide our island toward a food secure future and build a more sustainable, prosperous, resilient, equitable and community-based food system. The Resilience Office is leading the development of a holistic Food Systems Plan for the City that is 

• Community-Based: The plan's priorities will be shaped by the needs and input of local residents, organizations, and stakeholders. 

• Values-Driven: The plan will be guided by key community values that are fundamental to O‘ahu’s food system. These values headline the five dimensions of the food system articulated in this document. 

• Grounded in Science: Actions will be informed by current scientific research to ensure effective and sustainable outcomes. 

• City-Focused: The plan will focus on the unique of the City and County of Honolulu, while recognizing that the City is just one actor within the broader food system.

• Integrated: Efforts will be coordinated across City agencies and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and collaboration. 

• Comprehensive: The plan will adopt a holistic food systems approach.

The Plan will aim to advance the following overarching objectives:

• Establish a unified food agenda for the City by bringing all food-related strategies under one coordinated framework.

• Identify specific, actionable steps and investments the City can take to leverage existing strengths and address critical gaps in Oʻahu’s food system.

• Enhance communication and coordination among City agencies and with external stakeholders.

• Promote a shared understanding of the food system, its goals, priority actions, and key metrics.

• Increase transparency and build trust with stakeholders and the public.

• Support grant applications and funding opportunities for projects and programs in the food system.

• Align local food system efforts with broader sustainability goals, including the Aloha+ Challenge and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

It’s also important to clarify what the plan will not be. This plan will:

• NOT be an action plan for all stakeholders. While we provide ideas for ways individuals and organizations can contribute, the focus here is on actions the City government can take, rather than prescribing roles or actions for other entities, such as businesses, nonprofits, foundations, or the state government.

• NOT be a comprehensive literature review on Oʻahu’s food system. Although relevant research is referenced to provide context and support for proposed actions, this document is not intended to serve as a research report.

• NOT be a legally binding commitment. This plan is a strategic guide to communicate City priorities for the food system, foster mission-aligned partnerships, and improve transparency and accountability with the community.