Our Story

Nourish Kauaʻi was not born out of a business plan or a long-term vision. It began in a season of personal hardship and community crisis, when the need was undeniable and the next step was simply to respond.

In early 2020, our founder, Karolyn, was navigating a difficult chapter of life. Her restaurant had recently closed, and she was working as a server to support her children as a single mother. The work required long hours away from home, and even then, income barely covered basic expenses. When the pandemic hit, she was laid off. Like many people at the time, she was unable to access unemployment due to system failures and delays. Overnight, her income disappeared.

At the same time, it became clear that she was far from alone. Across Kauaʻi, hardworking individuals suddenly found themselves without jobs or income through no fault of their own. Many lived paycheck to paycheck and had no savings to fall back on. Homeless individuals were displaced into encampments with limited access to food. Kūpuna were isolated at home, at greater risk than anyone else.

Meanwhile, another crisis was unfolding quietly. With restaurants and hotels closed, local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen had no markets for their food. On an island that imports the vast majority of its food, this loss of local food pathways was deeply concerning.

Out of this convergence of need came a simple question. Was there a way to create as many wins as possible? To feed people in need while supporting local food producers and strengthening a local food economy.

There was one major problem. There was no money to start.

What followed was a season of prayer, persistence, and community cooperation. A small grant from Chef Hui provided an initial foothold. Then Councilwoman Felicia Cowden donated a portion of her salary so food could be purchased. Volunteers began gathering at St. Catherine’s kitchen. Every Wednesday, nearly one thousand locally sourced meals were prepared and distributed through a drive-through system. Dozens of volunteers from across the community showed up week after week.

At this point, there was still no intention of forming a nonprofit. The work continued simply because the need remained, and doors continued to open.

With encouragement from church leadership, Nourish applied for and received a CARES Act grant under the church’s fiscal sponsorship. This funding supported operations from August through December of 2020. It allowed for the hiring of a small staff and the transition from emergency meal distribution to weekly home-delivered meal kits for kūpuna across the island.

As the CARES Act funding period came to an end, it seemed possible that the work might stop. Instead, an unexpected phone call changed everything.

Frank VanderSloot contacted Nourish after independently learning about the program through two separate channels. One was his ranch manager, a former church member, who shared what was happening locally. The other was the Office of Elderly Affairs, where Nourish had presented its work and growing need. After several conversations, first focused on operational sustainability and later on the human impact of the program, the VanderSloot family’s foundation committed to funding Nourish for one month. That commitment became three months. Then it continued.

That initial support began in January 2021 and has continued quietly and faithfully for more than five years.

At full capacity, Nourish Kauaʻi served 225 kūpuna every week. There has always been a waitlist. Kūpuna do not age out of need. Many live on fixed incomes, are disabled, homebound, unable to drive, or without family support. For them, consistent access to food and human connection can be life-changing.

Over time, it became clear that Nourish Kauaʻi was about far more than food. Delivery volunteers build long-term relationships with the kūpuna they serve. Many volunteers have delivered to the same individuals for years. Loneliness is a serious and often overlooked challenge among seniors, and regular, caring contact matters.

The program has also fostered a unique volunteer community. Many volunteers come from different backgrounds and would not otherwise step into a church. Staff members are Christian, and each week begins with prayer for the volunteers, the kūpuna, and the work ahead. Scripture is included on menus, not as obligation, but as encouragement. Faith is expressed through service, relationship, and consistency.

Today, Nourish Kauaʻi faces a new challenge.

To maintain public charity status, the organization cannot receive too large a percentage of its funding from a single source. As a result, its primary funder has intentionally and thoughtfully reduced support over time. While grants and donations continue, they are no longer sufficient to fully bridge the gap.

As of now, Nourish Kauaʻi has reduced capacity from serving 225 kūpuna weekly to 155. This means 70 kūpuna are no longer receiving weekly meal kits, despite ongoing need.

The mission remains unchanged. Nourish Kauaʻi exists to care for kūpuna, support local food systems, and strengthen community through practical love and service. The story continues, sustained by prayer, partnership, and the belief that when one door closes, another will open.