‘Ulu waffles help mark Hawaiʻi ʻUlu Cooperative’s 170-farmer milestone

Oct 27, 2025

The Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative has grown to 170 farmers managing 6,200 breadfruit trees across four islands, producing more than 2 million pounds of crops. These and other milestones were shared at the co-op’s annual member meeting last month on Hawai‘i Island, bringing together farmers from across the islands for a day of collaboration, shared learning and a friendly Farmer Cook-Off.

The event featured a special treat from Ulupono President Murray Clay and his wife, Jodi, who served their crowd-favorite gluten-free ‘ulu waffles, a family recipe years in the making. Inspired by Jodi’s gluten intolerance, Murray developed the recipe by blending brown rice, cassava and ‘ulu flours to create a light, fluffy texture that delighted attendees.

“It takes an extra touch to make things light and fluffy with ‘ulu flour,” Murray shared. “But these waffles are indeed light and fluffy … not dense at all.”

The Clays carried two double waffle irons aboard their flight from O‘ahu to Hawai‘i Island and cooked up about 60 waffles for members — each served with a generous helping of aloha and earning rave reviews.

Connected in shared vision
The waffles symbolized the spirit of collaboration between Ulupono and the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative, two organizations working together to strengthen Hawai‘i’s local food systems. Since 2016, Ulupono has invested more than $77,000 in the co-op through grants, consultant support, and capacity-building assistance and helped the co-op secure $3.9 million in total grant funding as of early 2025.

Both organizations share a vision of a more sustainable and self-reliant Hawai‘i. By investing in local agriculture and encouraging new ways to incorporate ‘ulu — a traditional and nutritious canoe crop — into modern diets, Ulupono and the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative are helping to cultivate a more resilient future for our islands.

As laughter, learning and the scent of freshly made ‘ulu waffles filled the air, one thing was clear: when we come together to celebrate and support Hawai‘i-grown food, everyone leaves nourished — in body, mind and community spirit.

Click here to learn more about the Hawai‘i ‘Ulu Cooperative, including shopping and recipe options.