Screaming for ice cream? Head to Kaua‘i Food Bank

NAWILIWILI — It’s not unusual to get ice cream for one’s birthday.

But four pallets?

That was the problem facing Judy Lenthall, director for the Kaua‘i Food Bank, Monday.

“The last time we had a big delivery of ice cream was about 10 years ago,” Lenthall said. “And that was just three tubs. This is four pallets.”

But the delivery of ice cream, complete with its unique set of logistical issues, is a windfall for Kaua‘i’s needy, said Lenthall, who was celebrating her birthday Monday.

“On Wednesday and Thursday, needy people can come to the Kaua‘i Food Bank between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and pick up some ice cream,” Lenthall said. “This is just in time for Easter, too, so I guess it’s like a blessing for the community.”

Normally, people needing food cannot visit the Nawiliwili facility for food. Instead, they are referred to community pantries or organizations who have food giveaway programs.

But Lenthall said they need to monitor the distribution, and because of storage space, the ice cream needs to be distributed by the weekend.

“Because Friday is Good Friday, we’ll be closed, but we’ll be working, doing inventory,” Lenthall said.

She explained that the Nawiliwili facility doesn’t have the facility to store the four pallets of ice cream, and when Matson Navigation heard of their plight, they offered the use of a refrigerated container.

“But that’s only for a limited time,” Lenthall said. “We just need to get rid of all this ice cream.”

Lenthall said there is no need to bring pay stubs or tax returns for this distribution. There are forms which need to be filled out, but those are confidential.

“This is a self-certified needy program,” she said. “All the people need to do is give the number of people in their household, fill out the form, and they’ve got ice cream.”

Michelle Panoke, the KFB warehouse supervisor, said people should bring coolers with them to help transport the ice cream.

For more information, call 246-3809.