Market Connections
Expanding your operation’s reach and sales begins with knowing what buyers expect. Wholesale distributors, institutional purchasers, and retailers have their own requirements for the producers they work with, and meeting those expectations is the key to becoming a trusted supplier. On this page you’ll find guidance on the food safety certifications buyers increasingly require, along with some of the other essentials they look for: produce size & quality specifications, labeling and packaging preferences, and supplier onboarding procedures.
We’re currently expanding this page with more buyer information and connection resources Check back soon!
Nourishing Hawaii’s Future: Farm to School Market Briefing & Gathering
On May 14, 2026, North Shore EVP proudly partnered with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) School Food Services Branch, alongside Agribusiness Development Corporation (ADC) and other key stakeholders, for the Farm to School Market Briefing & Gathering, an event designed to strengthen connections between local food producers and Hawaiʻi’s school meal programs.
Held at the Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center, the gathering brought together farmers, value-added food businesses, distributors, and community partners interested in aligning local production with institutional demand to learn about upcoming opportunities to supply local products to Hawaiʻi schools and the Central Oʻahu Regional Kitchen. Participants received valuable insights into HIDOE’s future menu plans, projected produce and meat needs, vendor requirements, and procurement processes.
The event also featured a menu tasting and networking session, allowing attendees to explore how locally grown and produced foods can become part of school meals across the state. By helping farmers understand market opportunities and connect with key partners, this event supported a shared vision of nourishing Hawaiʻi’s future while expanding access to safe, healthy, and locally sourced food for students. This event was generously supported by Ulupono Foundation, Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau Federation, and Young Brothers.
North Shore EVP was honored to support participating farmers by providing resources and technical assistance to help them prepare for new market opportunities within Hawaiʻi’s Farm to School network.
Will your market include the DOE? If you couldnʻt attend the in person event, please see the below resources to help you determine your best path to supplying the DOE.
