LIHUE — The County of Kauai food drive just happened to coincide with the relief and recovery mode from the recent record- breaking rains that generated floods, isolated several North Shore communities and wreaked havoc among other communities, including Anahola, Keapana and Koloa.
“We are hopeful that we can surpass our 2017 contribution that amounted to $2,399 and 6,809 pounds of food contributed toward the Kauai Independent Food Bank Spring Healthy Food and Fund drive,” said Cyndi Ayonon, the county’s food drive coordinator. “The mission of KIFB is to educate, provide nutritious food for the hungry, and respond to emergencies, and we encourage participation from all departments — especially because we are still in relief and recovery mode from the floods.”
Following tabulation of the collection that coincided with the final day of the KIFB spring food drive, the county associates from all departments ended with a monetary amount of $1,935, and 2,873 pounds of food, falling short of last year’s collections. The physical totals amount to $4,778.
Ayonon said the county drive was based on an internal competition that was taken by the Department of Water. The DOW brought in $210 and 1,096 pounds of food, easily surpassing its 2017 totals. DOW was followed by the Mayor’s Office and Office of Economic Development who finished with $450 and 355 pounds of food.
Kelvin Moniz, the KIFB executive director, was accompanied by several members of the KIFB board, including president Rowena Cobb, in accepting the overflowing collection.
“Although the spring drive has ended, we are currently involved in responding to emergencies,” Moniz said. “We will continue to collect and distribute food as needed for as long as it takes.”
During 2017, the Kauai Independent Food Bank distributed more than 200,000 pounds of food to more than 30 nonprofit agencies who helped feed hungry people. KIFB also provided more than 4,300 backpacks through its Backpack Program.
KIFB also provided more than 141,000 healthy snacks through its Keiki Cafe program, and took care of about 159 senior citizens each month through the kupuna program. The Uluwehi Emergency Food Distribution program provided for the more than 11,000 requests for food.
