Hawaii's farm and livestock workers who've borne the brunt of the pandemic's financial sting may be set to receive a monetary balm, as eligible individuals can now pre-register for a $600 one-time relief payment courtesy of the Hawaii Farm and Food Worker Relief Grant Program. The program, designed to assist those dealing with expenses incurred during the COVID-19 public health emergency, opens for in-person payment registration from September 6 to 9 on Maui and Molokaʻi, as detailed by County of Maui's official announcement.
In order to qualify, workers must have been employed in any agricultural capacity for at least an hour between January 27, 2020, and May 11, 2023, and whether they were tilling the earth or tending livestock, the monies are meant as a salve for the wounds inflicted by an era of uncertainty and economic hardship; this endeavor is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and implemented by the National Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Association, as mentioned by the County of Maui.
Registration events are scheduled across two islands, with pre-registration imperative for those hoping to navigate the process with ease, anyone interested should be prompt in completing the necessary forms which will provide the exact address and scheduled time upon submission – specifics for these events spanning from Kahului's September 6 meetup to Moloka'i's concluding gathering on September 9, as per County of Maui.
Potential recipients are drawn from a wide agricultural swath, encompassing everyone from crop farmers to poultry caretakers, provided they can offer up the essential documentation; proof of identification and employment are non-negotiable, but rest assured, U.S. citizenship is not a prerequisite for applicants and the assistance is deeply rooted in local collaboration, involving partnerships with organizations such as the Executive Office on Early Learning, Hawaii Good Food Alliance, and the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. Further details surrounding the U.S. Department of Agriculture FFWR program and the support it offers can be found by reaching out directly to the administrators via [email protected] or examining the Frequently Asked Questions found on the County of Maui website.
