HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the fight against food insecurity in the islands continues, the Hawaii Food Bank will embark on its largest fundraising event of the year.
WakeUp2Day’s Chris Latronic went live from Mapunapuna to discuss the annual food drive with the Director of Community Giving, Cait Dale, and the Director of Marketing and Communications, Danny Schlag, to learn more.
Hawaiʻi Foodbank will hold its largest fundraising event, Food Drive Day, on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Members of the community are encouraged to make a donation to the campaign or hold their own food and fund drives to support the purchase of fresh produce for local families facing food insecurity.
In honor of their longtime support of Food Drive Day, First Hawaiian Bank will double donors’ impact by generously matching all gifts made through Aug. 24 up to $50,000. Those who donate towards this match opportunity will automatically be entered to win four General Admission tickets to HONOLULU Magazine’s Hale ʻAina Celebration presented by First Hawaiian Bank and Mastercard.
One in three Hawaiʻi households do not have access to enough food for an active, healthy lifestyle. Individuals in this situation often experience challenges affording adequate housing, healthcare, transportation and other basic needs.
In the aftermath of the pandemic and with rising inflation, many are struggling to make ends meet. For many, fresh produce is the first thing to fall off their grocery lists. This lack of nutritious food can be associated with a variety of adverse health and social outcomes that can affect nearly every aspect of one’s life.
“As we work towards a thriving future for our community, it is essential to prioritize the long-term health and well-being of our people,” said Hawaiʻi Foodbank President and CEO Amy Miller. “We are committed to being the healthy option for those facing food insecurity. This year, we will focus on raising funds for fresh produce to ensure everyone has access to foods that are both safe and nutritious, while also supporting local farmers and agriculture.”
From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Aug. 24, the public is encouraged to drop off food and monetary donations at the following collection sites:
Ka Makana Aliʻi (91-5431 Kapolei Pkwy.)
Pearl City Shopping Center (850 Kamehameha Hwy.)
Town Center of Mililani (95-455 Makaimoimo St.)
Waiokeola Congregational Church (4705 Kilauea Ave.)
Waterfront Plaza (500 Ala Moana Blvd.)
Windward City Shopping Center (45-480 Kaneʻohe Bay Dr.)
Compared to going to the grocery store, a donation of just $10 to Hawaiʻi Foodbank can help to provide food for more than 20 meals. For more information, visit the Hawaii Foodbank’s website.
Residents across the state are also invited to participate in Food Drive Day. For more information on making a donation or hosting a food and fund drive, visit the neighbor island websites below:
The Food Basket on Hawai‘i Island