INCUBATOR
About the Incubator
The Food Policy Incubator is a pilot program that gives participants hands-on ways to turn community-rooted ideas into policy proposals. Over fourteen weeks, the cohort explores Hawaiʻi’s food system challenges, practices research and outreach, and works together to shape proposals that reflect local perspectives.
The incubator runs August through October. Most work is done remotely, which makes it accessible to participants across the pae ʻāina. Participants meet weekly for guided sessions that include short presentations, discussions, and activities designed to build policy literacy and confidence.
Where It Started
In April 2025, Food+ hosted Hawaiʻi’s first Food Policy Hackathon, bringing together students, advocates, and community members to spark bold ideas for food systems change. The incubator grew out of that event, creating a structured next step where participants could keep working on their ideas with more time, mentorship, and collaboration.
What Participants Do
Program Goals
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Identifying food system challenges through collaborative activities
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Practicing research and policy analysis
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Engaging with stakeholders and community voices
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Drafting advocacy briefs and talking points
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A stronger understanding of Hawaiʻi’s policy landscape
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Experience applying advocacy tools to real food system issues
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Skills in research, writing, and community engagement
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A network of peers, mentors, and partners interested in food policy
Curriculum Overview
Module 1 - Rooting In
Clarify your idea. Understand the landscape. Build Community
We'll kick off by getting to know each other, grounding in our values, and exploring the policy process in Hawaiʻi. You'll revisit your idea, map out the problem, and begin to assess feasibility.
Module 2 - Research & Rework
Dig deeper. Refine your proposal. Learn from what’s been done.
This is your time to investigate: gather data, explore legal and policy precedents, and review what’s worked, or what didn’t worked, in the past. You’ll start shaping a stronger, more informed version of your idea.
Module 3 - Engage & Iterate
Connect with community. Get feedback. Adapt.
You’ll identify and meet with stakeholders, listen to new perspectives, and refine your proposal accordingly. This is where theory meets reality and your idea becomes more collaborative and grounded.
Module 4 - Prepare & Pitch
Draft your materials. Tell your story. Share your work.
We'll help you turn your refined idea into a policy pitch with an advocacy brief, talking points, and a clear call to action. The program ends with a showcase to present your work.
2025 Incubator at a Glance
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Start Date: August 2025
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14 week duration
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Pilot cohort size: 9 participants
Who Should Join?
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You are curious about how policy works in Hawaiʻi and want a guided starting point
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You care about a part of the food system and want to explore solutions with others
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You are open to learning through research, outreach, and collaborative activities
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You can commit to weekly meetings and independent work between sessions
Current Status
This is the first year of the incubator, and we are using it as a pilot to learn what works and how to strengthen future versions. We’ll be sharing updates and lessons learned to shape where the program goes from here. We are also exploring opportunities to expand with new partners and collaborators in upcoming cohorts
Collaborators
The Food Policy Incubator is still in its pilot stage, and we know this work grows stronger with collaboration. We are looking to connect with community partners, mentors, and organizations who can help guide participants, share resources, and shape the future of this program.
You can contact Janine at janine@purplemaia.org or food@purplemaia.org