Lucas McKinnon

Lucas McKinnon is the Managing Director of the Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance, where he leads statewide efforts to integrate food systems transformation with public health, environmental resilience, and equity. He directs the development of the ʻAiaola Food is Medicine Center and serves as Technical Assistance Lead Coordinator for the USDA Regional Food Business Center for Islands and Remote Areas, supporting infrastructure improvement and technical assistance across Hawaiʻi, Alaska, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Lucas works closely with local farms, food hubs, healthcare systems, and Indigenous practitioners to build sustainable procurement pathways that improve health outcomes while supporting local economies and regenerative agricultural practices.

The Hawaiʻi Good Food Alliance (HGFA) is a statewide coalition comprised of 10 founding members and over 30 partner organizations working collaboratively to advance food systems that are rooted in cultural integrity, ecological sustainability, and community health. HGFA brings together Indigenous practitioners, local farmers, food hubs, public health leaders, and Federally Qualified Health Centers to strengthen local food economies and ensure equitable access to nourishing, culturally relevant food. The Alliance leads a range of initiatives including the ʻAiaola Food is Medicine Center, the USDA RFBC, the Hawaii Good Food Fund, and Kuina `Ai. HGFA is committed to re-build thriving community food systems through the practice of mālama ʻāina.