LIHUE — The Hawaii Foodbank Kauai is happy to announce an opportunity for residents to receive free groceries on Saturday during the Hawaii Health Systems Corporation, Kauai Region Healthy Living Fall Celebration at the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital from 9 a.m. to noon.
“Hunger is here,” said Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Director Wes Perreira. “Although we can’t always see it, it might be in our own back yard — a friend, or family member. We ask you to help shed light on this issue and be more aware. When we come together, all things are possible.”
September is Hunger Action Month, and Hawaii Foodbank Kauai, in partnership with the Feeding America network, is calling on everyone to give now to help support families across the country.
“We can end hunger when we all work together,” said Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Assistant Director Tisha Remigio. “There is plenty of food in America, yet on Kauai, one in four people, including one in three keiki, still don’t have the food they need to thrive.”
Hawaii Foodbank Kauai takes action by working with our community — a movement exemplified by partners like the Skelly family in Lawai.
When approached early on, the homeowner, Chare Hoe, “was excited to collab with the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai to bring attention to this very real problem of hunger and food insecurity on the island. She hopes that the Skelly’s encourage people to donate food, volunteer, or advocate to help our local food banks.”
During September, people across the state of Hawaii can get involved by listening, acting, and inviting others to speak up about ways to end hunger.
• Volunteering: The Hawaii Foodbank Kauai relies on the support of groups and individuals to provide access to food for families, kupuna, keiki and others who are facing hunger. To become involved, visit www.hawaiifoodbank.org/kauai-volunteer, fill out a volunteer application form, and a member of the foodbank team will reach out.
• Advocate: Everyone is encouraged to tell their friends and family how they are helping to end hunger during this month. Those sharing their message through social media are encouraged to tag @HawaiiFoodbankKauai and use the hashtags #HungerActionMonth and #NourishOurOhana.
The Hawaii Foodbank Kauai offers many different types of assistance through its programs. If you, or someone you know is in need of immediate food relief, please visit the website www.hawaiifoodbank.org/help.
The Hawaii Foodbank Kauai team is dedicated to servicing the island’s people on the Garden Island through a variety of programs, including:
• SNAP Application and Recertification Assistance: Helping residents navigate the process of applying for, and recertifying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance;
• School Pantry Programs: Providing nutritious food directly to students and their families at participating schools. Check with your keiki’s school to see if they are a Hawaii Foodbank Kauai partner;
• Kupuna Program: The Senior Food Box Program, the Kupuna Fresh Program in partnership with the County of Kauai Agency on Elderly Affairs, and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program;
• Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: offering vouchers that enable kupuna to purchase fresh, local produce directly from farmers;
• Mobile Pantry: Our newest initiative designed to provide food to residents in rural areas who face transportation barriers.
For more information, or to donate, visit the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai website at www.hawaiifoodbank.org/kauai/.
Source: The Garden Island