Wai’anae, O’ahu - MA’O Organic Farm is a community food security initiative that is not only transforming the lives of youth on the leeward coast of O’ahu, but is growing a healthier community as well. As of the 2000 census, the bucolic community of Wai’anae had a poverty rate of 19.8%, an unemployment rate of 8.2%, and a substantial percentage of the population (25%) receiving public assistance. The community is notorious for crystal methamphetamine usage and a large homeless population living on its public beaches.

MA’O Farm, located on five acres of land leased from a local church, is producing certified organic crops sold at farmers markets and restaurants including its own adjoining Aloha ‘Aina Caf in the heart of town. The 4-year old business recruits at-risk youth for a ten-month internship to learn the skills of hands-on farming and the challenge of running a business, as well as reaching out to promote the nutritional benefits of organically grown food to a community accustomed to a high-fat diet.

A 2005 runner-up in the Yale School of Management’s Third National Business Plan Competition, which included over 400 nonprofits, MA’O won a $25,000 grant, which helped it pursue its goal of financial sustainability for the farm and Youth Leadership Training Program.

The farm is about nurturing positive Hawaiian cultural values and providing real choices to youth about creating healthier futures amidst an impoverished environment. As the youth evolve and help shape the direction of their internship, they connect nationally and internationally with other young people energized and eager to break new ground and expand their commitment to personal and social change.

Contact: MA'O Organic Youth Farm, Gary Forth Maunakea-Forth, P.O. Box 441, Wai'anae, HI 96792. Phone # 808.696.5569. Email: mala_ai_opio@hotmail.com