Our Kupuna

Our Kūpuna started serving the community in 2020 when our founder, Gabe Amey, realized many seniors (kūpuna) were struggling with food security because of the COVID-19 pandemic (Gabe could shop for his own father but realized many kūpuna do not have family who can help). So, he launched Our Kūpuna via his nonprofit, Hawaii VA Foundation, to enlist community volunteers to shop and deliver groceries for kūpuna.

What began as a statewide call for volunteers has grown into ongoing programs that continue to serve hundreds of kūpuna across the islands. Our main program, Volunteer Connections, pairs each vulnerable under-resourced kupuna with an assigned local volunteer grocery shopper who delivers groceries every two weeks, with the kupuna affording their own groceries. The program also includes a socialization component, connecting kūpuna with a phone buddy or pen pal for regular conversation and social contact. 

In 2023, we launched our Aloha Maui program to support kūpuna impacted by the Maui wildfires. This program provides supplemental groceries. It also provides workforce development opportunities for fire-impacted residents who serve as care navigators. We envision a Hawaiʻi where all kūpuna (elders) have food security, access to their essentials, and are kākoʻo (supported) by nui kaiāulu (the greater community).

 Through these efforts, Our Kūpuna continues to fulfill its mission of connecting Hawai‘i’s kūpuna with volunteers, resources, and essentials that promote food security, foster community connection, and support safe aging at home. 

We are looking for volunteers to help low-income homebound kupuna in your community who does not have family on island to look out for them. You would call them once a week and deliver their essentials (groceries, medication, or necessary household supplies) to them once every 2 weeks (the kupuna would reimburse you for expenses incurred). If you’re interested in helping, click the link and sign up: Volunteer — Our Kūpuna and we’ll connect you with a Kupuna in your area. You can also check out our website (ourkupuna.com), or call 808-215-0073 for more information.