"We provide food and work with other groups to help ensure that people will not go with out a meal," stated Hawaii Foodbank Director of Development Polly Kauahi.
By Miguel Gonzalez
Editor
Photos By Melanie Gonzalez
Managing Editor
(Honolulu)- Very few organizations in the state of Hawaii are more dedicated to helping our ohana than the Hawaii Foodbank. The state organization, with the help of local agencies, work with one common goal in mind: to distribute and feed those who need it the most.
Inside their 22,500 square feet warehouse, the Hawaii Foodbank stores, distributes and takes donations of food that is quickly turned around to the community through the help of agencies that identify and help families and individuals who are in need.
“We provide food and work with other groups to help ensure that people will not go with out a meal,” Hawaii Foodbank Director of Development Polly Kauahi said in a recent interview. “The agencies that we work with will come into our warehouse and get the food they need as often as they need it.”
In the spirit of aloha, the organization exists thanks to the donations of individuals and corporations alike, who year round help by donating food or money to distribute to those who simply do not have the resources or a guaranteed meal. “We work with 250 charitable agencies on Oahu. Last year the Hawaii Foodbank distributed over 11.8 million pounds of food, including 3 million pounds of fresh produce to help feed 183,500 different people in need statewide,” Kauahi explained.
The Hawaii Foodbank has served the people of Hawaii for 28 years. Since 2006, hunger in Hawaii increased over 39 percent. According to the Hawaii Foodbank’s website each day, some families in Hawaii have to make some of these tough choices each month:
- 32 percent of client households must choose between transportation and food.
- 28 percent of client households choose between paying for rent/mortgage or food.
- 21 percent of client households served must choose between paying for utilities or food.
- 19 percent of client households must choose between paying for medical bills or food.
Donations to the Hawaii Foodbank are always welcomed and needed to keep up with the demand of the community. “We call our food drops, ohana drops and we have been so lucky to count on the support of foundations, companies and individuals who keep us in mind with donations,” Kauahi said.
As the economy and the job market continue to affect the everyday lives of many locals, the demand for help remains constant and this is why the Hawaii Foodbank likes to appeal to those who have been fortunate enough to think about giving. “We feed people every single day and this is the message we would like to spread to those who give to us. It is very nice that during the holidays we get lots of donations, but we also like to remind everyone that everyday people feel hunger,” Kauahi explained.
As a major fundraiser, the Hawaii Foodbank will hold an annual food drive kick off breakfast on Thursday, January 26 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village.
Kauahi explained that the foodbank faces everyday pressures that can only be fulfilled by the community. “Our shelves will get empty in just a matter of weeks if we do not fill them. 14% of the population in Hawaii needs our help to make ends meet and we are talking about people that we know, not just a stranger.”
Community donations throughout the year ensure the food continues to flow into the warehouse and out to the people who need it.
The Hawaii Foodbank’s mission is from the heart, and they will fulfill their mission with integrity, humanity and aloha.
HOW TO HELP:
HAWAII FOODBANK
ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE
KICK-OFF BREAKFAST
Thursday, January 26, 2012
8:00 – 9:00 a.m.
Hilton Hawaiian Village, Coral Ballroom
Please send your RSVP or regrets
by Friday, January 13, 2012
Phone: 954-7870 or email:
Register online at
‘Tis the season to “Check-Out Hunger” in Hawaii!
Join Kraft Foods in Hawaii this holiday season to help feed hungry children, seniors and families in need. Last year, you donated a record-breaking $217,783.23 statewide to feed Hawaii’s hungry.
Making a donation through Check-Out Hunger is easy. Just look for the bright green coupons at check stands in your neighborhood:
• Times Supermarkets (Statewide)
• Safeway (Statewide)
• Don Quijote
• Tamura’s Market in Hauula, Kalaeloa and Wahiawa
• Tamura’s Fine Wine & Liquors in Aiea, Aikahi and Kaimuki
• Tamura Super Market, Waianae
• Kokua Market Natural Foods Co-op
• KTA Super Stores, Big Island
• Big Save Markets, Kauai
Each time you tear off a coupon and make a donation, you are making a difference in the life of a person in need.
Make Your Donations Now Through January 10, 2012
• For just $2.81 you will feed a child breakfast for a week
• For just $12.43 you will feed a senior lunch for a month
• For just $16.84 you will feed a family dinner for a week
At checkout, tear off the donation coupon of your choice and hand it to the cashier. The coupon amount will be added to your grocery bill as a donation to the Hawaii Foodbank.
Last year the Hawaii Foodbank distributed over 11.8 million pounds of food, including 3 million pounds of fresh produce to help feed 183,500 different people in need statewide," Kauahi explained