Go Local: South Maui Grocery Ads

As core members of South Maui Sustainability, we are always looking for ways to educate and inform  people on sustainability issues.   Visitors are always shocked by the costs of our food here.  But when you think that 99% of it is shipped or air-shipped to the islands, it is amazing that it isn’t more expensive.   We could grow more locally.   There isn’t a high demand and our labor costs are high… it seems like a vicious circle.  

We are trying to encourage people to look for island-grown produce. As I review the Tuesday paper, we have our big 3 South Maui grocery store flyers.  This week, here are the local grown ads. Note: This may not be a complete list and products may not be produced locally – just my best quick assessements and assumptions!

Safeway - 
• Okinawan Sweet Potatoes 8lbs for $10.   (mmm…the ad says Locally Grown but then says imported?  What’s the deal Safeway? I do know that these grow year round on the islands and are often a good local food.)
• Green Cabbage 8 pounds for $10.  Same comment.  I hope they don’t grow them locally, ship them to a mainland distribution center and then import them here.
• May’s Hawaiian Teriyaki Beef Patties 6lb box for $15.99
• Meadowgold drinks 64 oz.  $1.49

Foodland -
• Hamakua Cocktail Tomato 16oz. $3.29
• Hawaiian Sun Fruit Drinks or Teas  2 6packs for $5.00
• Aloha Shoyu Soy Sauce – Gallon for $7.99 
• Haleakala Dairy Iced Tea Gallon for $4.59
• Love’s Hawaii’s Hearth Breads Selected Varieties $4.29
• Love’s Regular White Bread 1 lb. $3.29
• Diamond Bakery Graham Crakers or Animal Crackers $2.99
• Meadowgold POG   Gallon for $4.99
• Hawaiian Isles Kona Blend Coffees 10oz  Buy 3 – get 1 free (Save $5.99)
• Menehune Water 2 gallons for $5.00
• Local “Gold” Pineapple $0.89/per pound
• Local String Beans $3.99 for 16oz.
• Local Green Bell Peppers $2.19/lb

Star Market
• Cucumber $1.39/pound
• Head Cabbage $0.89/pound
• Kanai Tofu 16 oz package $3.29
• Kalua Turkey, Chicken or Pork   12 oz package $5.99
• Love’s King sized bread 16 oz $3.39
• Royal Kona Coffee (100% Kona) 8 oz $3.39
• Meadow Gold Yogurts  6 oz  $0.99
• Meadow Gold nectars and POG 1/2 gal $2.99
• Meadow Gold Twin Pops 6 pack $2.29
• Hawaiian Sun Frozen Coconut Milk 12 oz. $3.59
• Koha Frozen Mixed Vegetables 16 oz $1.69

That’s it — looks like Foodland and Star Market are neck and neck. 

Of note: None of the markets advertised local fish!