Dana Shapiro of HIR Enterprise Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative (HUC) was also honored as Social Impact Entrepreneur of the Year.
The co-op was founded in 2016 to build a network of small-scale, diversified farms on Hawai‘i Island working to revive the popularity of ʻulu (breadfruit) and improve community access to sustainable, nutritious food. It has grown to be a key player in Hawaiʻi’s food system and food security with environmentally responsible growing and production techniques.
During the pandemic, Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative helped launch a relief campaign to serve farmers and the community. The COVID-19 Relief and Response Campaign distributed more than 60,000 pounds of local starches and fresh produce to families in need. An additional 3,170 pounds of food was donated to the Hawaii Food Basket directly through HUC’s website. This effort allowed the co-op to continue supporting their 85 small-scale farmers and 14 employees and to lend a hand to other food producers.