Local restaurants are stepping up to keep University of Hawaii athletes fed, which is good news for student-athletes and for the small businesses that get to pitch in.

• The Braddahhood and Sistahhood Grindz program is now in its fifth year of providing meals to UH athletes.
• Dozens of local restaurants will supply meals across 18 weeks to 11 different teams this year.
• State and school leaders, along with restaurant owners and athletes, gathered to renew the partnership at Big City Diner in Pearl City.
• Organizers say the goal goes beyond food, aiming to give athletes career connections and cultural experiences and make them feel welcome.
• Athletes say the personal relationships built through the program matter as much as the meals themselves.

Outlook: The partnership is expected to continue growing, with more restaurants and teams likely to join in future seasons.