Hawaii Food Bank

Recently we were able to visit the Hawaii Food Bank on the island of Oahu. As always, it was incredibly interesting to compare and contrast the emergency food systems in a nearby state. The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, and the work they are doing is impressive. Here's some of the facts we learned during our visit:

• They are currently running a 10 days supply of food in their warehouse (much lower than usual due to increase in demand)
• They supply 11 million pounds of food for Oahu per year
• As of recently, they now also run a bank in Kauai
• The Hawaii Food Bank network is part of the national Feeding America network
• They supply food for about 250 organizations
• A major ideal they work by is that they don't turn down anyone who needs food
• In recent years, they have taken on running summer meals for the island, with 6 sites and 400+ kids

More information about the Hawaii Food Bank:

"The people of Hawaii are one ohana. The Hawaii Foodbank provides food so that no one in
our family goes hungry. We work to gather food and support from our communities. We then
distribute food through charitable agencies to those in need. Our mission is from the heart,
and we will fulfill our mission with integrity, humanity and aloha."

The Hawaii Foodbank is the only nonprofit 501(c)3 agency in the state of Hawaii that collects, warehouses and distributes mass quantities of both perishable and non-perishable food to 250 member agencies as well as food banks on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai. The Hawaii Foodbank forms a vital link between the food donors and our member agencies by providing services in collecting, sorting, salvaging and distributing food. The Hawaii Foodbank also supports its member agencies through financial and educational assistance.

Here are some images from this enjoyable and educational visit: