The Hawaiʻi County Nutrition program acquired two state-of-the-art F-150 Ford Hot Shot vehicles.

Funding for the vehicles, which are equipped with hot and refrigerated sections, was made possible through a combination of Federal and State funding.

The Hawaiʻi County Nutrition Program is dedicated to serving the needs of Hawaiʻi Island’s elderly population, with approximately 430 home-delivered participants and an additional 620 congregate meal site participants across Big Island.

The heated and refrigerated sections of the vehicles are specially designed to maintain the required safety temperatures for food items during transportation. Hot meals will be kept at no less than 140 degrees Fahrenheit, while cold foods will be maintained at no higher than 45 degrees Fahrenheit at the point of delivery. Frozen meals will remain frozen (0 degrees Fahrenheit or below) from packing to the meal site or participant’s home.

In a press release Mayor Mitch Roth said, “The acquisition of these specialized vehicles represents a significant investment in the well-being of our elderly residents. The ability to safely transport and deliver hot and cold meals is crucial to the success of the Hawaiʻi County Nutrition Program. As we navigate the unique challenges of our rural landscape, these vehicles will ensure that our seniors receive the nutritious meals they depend on.”

Photo credit: Office of Mayor Mitch Roth