More people than you realize depend on the Hawaii Foodbank for their food needs. The number is actually quite staggering. In fact, 1 out of every 5 people in Hawaii depend on the Hawaii Foodbank. How can you help?
To put even more perspective on it, the national average for Foodbank help is 1 out of every 7 people. As you can see, Hawaii is well above the national average. Let’s break it down even more.
In Hawaii, 123,000 households, made up of 287,000 residents, receive food assistance annually from the Hawaii Foodbank and its affiliates, and this number continues to grow. Included in the figures are nearly 48,000 children and 46,000 senior citizens.
“We are helping the underemployed, the disabled, our elderly, that’s our biggest clientele,” said Diana Lorenz, assistant director of Feeding Hawaii Together.org. “People that are living from paycheck to paycheck and having to make a decision on whether to pay rent or buy food.”
As you guys can see, the Hawaii Foodbank is a very big part of the lives of many in Hawaii. More than likely many who read this article will either get help from the Hawaii Foodbank or have had help from them in the past.
Hawaii Foodbank Statistics
Currently there are right at 123,000 households in Hawaii that receive help from the Hawaii Foodbank. Of that number:
- 41% Have a family member who had a job within the last year
- 30% Choose between paying for food or paying for utilities every month
- 22% Have a family member who has served in the military
How You Can Help
There are a number of ways to help, but the two most popular and most needed ways to help are by donating money and/or food items to the Hawaii Foodbank.
If you are going to donate food here is a list of the most needed items. Of course everything is welcome, but these go a longer way.
- Canned meats
- Canned meals (spaghetti, beef stew, chili)
- Canned fruits
- Canned vegetables
- Rice
To donate money please visit www.hawaiifoodbank.org. You may also mail checks to the Hawaii Foodbank. Mail them to:
Hawaii Foodbank 2611 Kilihau St. Honolulu, HI 96813
Nonperishable food may be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, at that address, or year-round at Ruby Tuesday Restaurant, NAPA Auto Parts, Hard Rock Cafe or Cutter Ford Mitsubishi.
Please make an effort to help contribute the Hawaii Foodbank. They help a lot of families and it is a critical part of Hawaii. You never know when you may be the one in need. Aloha.
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