ParaGenius Foundation is a 501(c)(3) focused on promoting wellness on Maui through supporting organic farming and food production.

OUR IMPACT 2023

1,403

hours

Volunteering Impact on local community. 

17,000

pounds

Produce provided to Maui wildfire survivors.

674,000

meals

Supported in part by our produce delivery.

THE FOUNDER

MEET DR. CAROLYN DEAN,
THE FOUNDER OF PARAGENIUS FOUNDATION

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Doctor Carolyn Dean MD ND

WELLNESS ADVOCATE BY HEART

Carolyn Dean is a Doctor, Naturopath, Author and CEO of two wellness companies. Shortly after moving to Maui in 2008, Dr. Dean met an organic farmer with an impassioned dedication to the community. 

Founding ParaGenius Dr. Dean invites you to join her in a call to support wellness and self-sustainability for Maui residents. 

WHAT WE DO

CRITICAL RESOURCES

We direct financial resources for local farmers to produce and community to receive high quality food.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

PGF provides board-driven volunteer efforts,advancing food distribution for the community.

EDUCATION

We strive to promote awareness of the critical gaps and vulnerabilities found for the state of organic farming today.

RECRUITMENT

We recruit volunteers to roll up their sleeves and join us! We support with sales, farming and food production activities. Our efforts reduce cost burdens on farmers and allow prices to remain low for the disadvantaged and underserved.

HOW WE INTEND TO HELP IN THE FUTURE

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE COACHING

We will support wellness coaches to provide low-cost/no-cost options for underresourced individuals suffering from chronic illness.

WHY WE DO IT

MAUI FARMING VULNERABILITIES

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Farm Financial Relief is Limited. Farmers are unable to obtain low-interest loans from banks.

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Over half of all farmers have lost money, every year since 2013.

MAUI FOOD INSECURITY

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One in five children in Maui County is currently at risk of going hungry. 

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The cost of living in Hawaii is the highest in the US. People can’t afford housing and healthy food.

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90% of Maui’s food comes from the mainland. Big-box food dominates the diet of Maui residents.

OUR INSPIRATION

Get to know ‘Oko’a Farms and Ryan Earehart - the man whose vision and determination inspired the founding of ParaGenius.

‘Oko’a Farms embraces a personal touch to providing authentic and diverse produce and value-adds.

Consistently voted Best Farm and Farmer, ‘Oko’a Farms has become a leader in strengthening Maui’s food system.

A chance meeting with our founder became an opportunity for local food and farm strength.

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Meet the owners of ‘Oko’a Farms, Sal and Ryan.

OUR INITIATIVES

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NOW RECRUITING

HO’ŌLA MA KA HANA:
HEALING THROUGH SERVICE

Multiple roles in farming and food preparation, with training, benefits and free accommodations provided. 

Learn more about this one year opportunity to learn, grow and rebuild.

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BECOME A VOLUNTEER

FOOD DISTRIBUTION:
FRESH FOOD & FAIR PRICES

We make our presence felt at Wailea’s weekly farmers market, along with 1-2 days in Okoa’s upcountry storefront.

By lending a hand, we bring energy and resources to a bustling farm business – keeping costs down for all!

We invite you to be an ally for wellness solutions

With a tiny but mighty crew and two initiatives in development, every bit of support to our organization helps!

Stay Connected with ParaGenius

 

We send out quarterly newsletters (and occasional special announcements!)