We’re a 501(c)(3) non-for-profit organization.
ParaGenius Foundation is a Maui charity aimed at building a healthy, resilient community through support of agriculture and food education.
Building bridges between farmers, local food, and the community.
1,200+
2025 Annual Volunteer Hours
2x
Fresh Food Access to South Maui
> 150k
Awarded to Farmers Equipment
ParaGenius invests in local farmers and youth.
Since our founding in 2023, we have worked to deliver relief to local farmers, raising critical funds and securing grants to advance our programs and reach those most in need.
Together, we expanded access to organic fruits and vegetables through local storefronts and helped over 200 local producers gain visibility and opportunity.
ParaGenius serves as a farm-to-neighbor bridge - raising awareness for Maui’s food capacity and demonstrating farmer needs through grassroots initiatives.
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Doctor Carolyn Dean MD ND - ParaGenius Foundation Founder.
Carolyn Dean is a Doctor, Naturopath, Author, Entrepreneur, 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.
How We Help
Food Distribution
We provide board-driven volunteer efforts, advancing food distribution for the community.
Critical Resources
We direct financial resources for local farmers to produce and for the community to receive high-quality food.
Education
We raise awareness of the gaps and vulnerabilities in organic farming today.
Recruitment
We recruit volunteers to roll up their sleeves and join us! Our efforts reduce cost burdens on farmers.
Future
Goal
Lifestyle Coaching
We intend to support wellness coaching to provide low-cost/no-cost options for underresourced individuals suffering from chronic illness.
ParaGenius emerged in response to Maui’s fragile food system, driven by a belief that no community should face hunger when local farmers are ready to grow.
Key Vulnerabilities Impacting Maui’s Agriculture
Farm Financial Relief
Farm Financial Relief is limited and/or complex. Low-interest loans from banks are near impossible for Farmers.
Money Loss Over Years
Over half of all farmers have lost money, every year since 2013, due to continued inflation and efficiency gaps.
Controlled Water
Water can be incredibly expensive on Maui, and management is burdened by strict conservation rules. Farmers are pushed to upgrade infrastructure on already slim margins.
Expensive Land
Land in Maui is unaffordable, with big corporations dominating the market. For family farmers renting parcels, their lack of equity inhibits their capacity to improve energy and operational efficiency.
Despite local capacity, up to 90% of Maui’s food comes from the mainland. Big box food dominates the diet of Maui residents.
Maui Food Insecurity
1 in 5 children in Maui County is at risk of going hungry.
Local Communities in Maui can’t afford housing and food.
The cost of living in Maui is 93.3% higher than the national norm.
Our initiatives strengthen Maui’s food system by educating youth, supporting farmers, expanding access to local produce, and ensuring equitable food distribution - creating lasting impact from farm to community.
Redefining Fresh Food Engagement
Taste & Learn: A Unique Produce Initiative
Creating a shared space for discovery and appreciation of Maui’s bounty through immersive product demonstrations and talk-story.
Creating a shared space for discovery and appreciation of Maui’s bounty through immersive product demonstrations and talk-story.
A Charitable Bridge For Farmers & Youth Programs
Growing Futures: Nourishing Youth Through Hands-On Agriculture
Immersive farm experiences for disadvantaged youth, learning more about the power and potential of our island’s food system by connecting with local Ag leaders!
Immersive farm experiences for disadvantaged youth, learning more about the power and potential.
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!
Cultivating Farmers Success
Farmhand Administrative Assistance Initiative
Empowering underserved family farmers through support with volunteer grant proposal writing and behind the scenes administration.
-the-We provide a leg-up on a farmer's journey to increase efficiency, modernize operations, and better serve our food-vulnerable community.
Our Partners (Past & Present)
SUPPORT OUR MISSION BY MAKING A DONATION
Help strengthen Maui’s organic farms and food system through community giving.
