State officials today launched the Kokua Food Drive, a weeklong food collection campaign in partnership with the Hawaii State Public Library System to support food banks across the islands.
The drive is a response to the ongoing federal shutdown, which has resulted in furloughs and disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known to most as food stamps.
From today through Friday, Hawaii residents are encouraged to bring canned goods and other nonperishable food items to their public library during regular business hours.
The donations will be distributed by nonprofits such as the Hawaii Foodbank, Maui Food Bank, The Food Basket and their partner agencies.
“In Hawaii, we take care of one another — that’s the true spirit of kokua,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke in a news release. “As families across our state feel the effects of the federal shutdown, we’re asking everyone who can to lend a hand. Every can, every donation, every act of aloha helps feed our families and strengthen our communities.”
All library branches across the state will serve as collection hubs — except for the Kaneohe and Wahiawa branches, which have limited space, and Lahaina, which is closed.
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Last week, Gov. Josh Green announced coordinated relief efforts to support food access statewide, including $2 million in state funding to help Hawaii’s food banks, along with $500,000 from the Farm to Families program to purchase local food for distribution.
“Libraries have always been the heart of our communities, where people connect and care for one another,” said State Librarian Stacey Aldrich in the release. “We’re honored to support the Kokua Food Drive and hope our collective efforts help nourish every person and family across Hawaii.”
The Office of the Lieutenant Governor at the state Capitol is also collecting food donations during regular business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
State library branch hours are available at librarieshawaii.org/visit/branches/all-branch-hours. Online monetary donations to the Hawaii Foodbank can also be made at hawaiifoodbank.org/kokua.
