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Maui Citrus Farmers Can Tap New School Lunch Market This Spring

·6 min read·👀 Watch

Executive Summary

Mahi Pono's partnership with the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) creates an immediate opportunity for Maui-based citrus farmers to supply mandarins to public schools. Farmers and food producers should assess their capacity to meet potential demand for the current Spring season.

Watch & Prepare

Medium PrioritySpring 2026

If overlooked, farmers may miss the opportunity to secure contracts or establish relationships for the current Spring season, and schools might not be aware of local sourcing options.

For Agriculture & Food Producers: Watch for any announcements from the Hawaii Department of Education regarding the expansion or continuation of their local food procurement initiatives beyond the initial Spring 2026 mandarin supply. If the DOE signals an intent to broaden the program or engage more vendors for the Fall 2026 school year, producers should prepare to submit bids by researching DOE procurement portals and directly contacting their food service division for detailed specifications and deadlines. For Small Business Operators: Monitor local market availability and any promotional efforts related to these specific Maui mandarins. If they become widely accessible through wholesale channels or restaurant features by June 2026, proactively inquire with distributors or Mahi Pono about direct purchasing opportunities for your business.

Who's Affected
Agriculture & Food ProducersSmall Business Operators
Ripple Effects
  • →Increased local produce in schools leads to better student nutrition and greater demand for local farmers.
  • →Expansion of school food programs to local providers can strengthen inter-island agricultural supply chains.
  • →Diversification of school food procurement away from imported goods can bolster Hawaii's food security.
Fresh green oranges, one peeled to show juicy segments, on a white background.
Photo by Supri Yanta Sitepu

Maui Citrus Farmers Can Tap New School Lunch Market This Spring

Mahi Pono, a major agricultural operation on Maui, has established a partnership with the Hawaii Department of Education (DOE) to supply locally grown mandarin oranges to public schools across the state. This initiative, set to begin providing fruit this Spring, signals a potential shift towards increased local sourcing in Hawaii's educational institutions and presents a new, albeit seasonal, market channel for Maui citrus producers.

Who's Affected

  • Agriculture & Food Producers: Maui citrus farmers, particularly those cultivating mandarin varieties, have an immediate opportunity to explore supplying the DOE. This partnership could also influence other local agricultural producers to investigate similar school supply contracts. Farmers not currently aligned with Mahi Pono should assess their production capacity and distribution capabilities to determine if they can compete or collaborate for future school year contracts.
  • Small Business Operators: While the direct impact is on agricultural producers and the DOE, restaurant owners and food retailers may see increased availability or visibility of Maui-grown mandarins. This could present opportunities for menu specials or cross-promotional activities. Small operators involved in food distribution or logistics might also find new clients if they can support the DOE's supply chain needs.

Second-Order Effects

  • Increased demand for local produce in schools → potential for higher contract prices for farmers → improved farmer revenue → greater investment in agricultural infrastructure on Maui → reduced reliance on imported citrus → increased food security and diversification of the state's agricultural economy.
  • DOE partnership with large-scale producer (Mahi Pono) → potential for smaller farms to be overlooked → advocacy needed for equitable distribution of contracts → encourages other agricultural stakeholders to form cooperatives or seek direct school partnerships.

What to Do

This development offers a time-bound opportunity for agricultural businesses on Maui. While the initial rollout is focused on Spring 2026, the establishment of this supply chain indicates a longer-term potential for local food procurement by the DOE.

Agriculture & Food Producers:

  • Watch: Monitor the success and scope of the Mahi Pono-DOE partnership over the next 3-6 months. Pay attention to how the DOE evaluates this pilot program and if they plan to expand to other fruit or vegetable categories, or involve more producers in future contract cycles.
  • Trigger: If the DOE announces plans to expand the local sourcing program, to include other produce, or to open bidding for more suppliers for the next academic year (starting Fall 2026), then consider immediate action.
  • Action: If expansion is announced, promptly investigate the procurement requirements and timelines by contacting the DOE's food services division. Assess your current production capacity, certification requirements (e.g., food safety), and logistical capabilities to bid on contracts.

Small Business Operators:

  • Watch: Observe if the increased presence of Maui mandarins in schools translates to greater public availability or promotions in local markets and restaurants by the end of Spring 2026.
  • Trigger: If restaurants or food service businesses begin featuring these specific Maui-grown mandarins, or if suppliers offer them for wholesale purchase, then consider action.
  • Action: If these mandarins become readily available, explore incorporating them into seasonal menus or product offerings to capitalize on the "local" appeal and support the initiative. You may wish to directly contact Mahi Pono or their distribution partners to inquire about wholesale purchasing options.

Action Details

For Agriculture & Food Producers: Watch for any announcements from the Hawaii Department of Education regarding the expansion or continuation of their local food procurement initiatives beyond the initial Spring 2026 mandarin supply. If the DOE signals an intent to broaden the program or engage more vendors for the Fall 2026 school year, producers should prepare to submit bids by researching DOE procurement portals and directly contacting their food service division for detailed specifications and deadlines. For Small Business Operators: Monitor local market availability and any promotional efforts related to these specific Maui mandarins. If they become widely accessible through wholesale channels or restaurant features by June 2026, proactively inquire with distributors or Mahi Pono about direct purchasing opportunities for your business.

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