Government food in higher demand

With many on Kaua’i reeling economically, Kaua’i Economic Opportunity expects to help more needy islanders during a government food distribution project Dec. 19.

“Because of Sept. 11 and because of welfare reforms kicking in, we are seeing more families hurting,” said KEO nutrition director Fred Maximo. “We ordered more food. We expect 700 people.”

The food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture project, administered by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Office of Community Services on behalf of KEO, will augment KEO’s Temporary Emergency Food Assistance Program. The local program serves about 600 people each month.

Both projects will help ensure that “people will not go hungry through the holiday season,” Maximo said.

In the aftermath of the attack, more than 500 Kauaians either lost their jobs or received cuts in their work hours. A majority of affected workers were in the tourism industry.

Food that will be distributed to needy individuals through the USDA project includes peanut butter, apricots, rice, cranberry/apple juice, corn and pears.

About 11,000 pounds of food at a cost of more than $2,500 will be distributed, up from previous years, Maximo said.

The distribution next Wednesday will begin at 8 a.m. at Kilauea Neighborhood Center, Kapa’a Neighborhood Center, KEO’s main office at 2804 Wehe Road in Lihu’e (by the Kaua’i County Water Department building), Hanapepe Recreation Center and Kekaha Neighborhood Center.

Recipients must meet income-related eligibility guidelines. A family of two, for instance, with a total household income of $20,000 would qualify, Maximo said.

He said people should bring their own bags to carry the food they receive.

KEO has been involved with the federal food giveaway project for at least 15 years. The project also is implemented on the other islands.

Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net