The demand for food at the Kauai Food Bank has left the shelves and coffers at the warehouse in Nawiliwili stressed to the limits. “And it’s going to be even more demanding as the holidays approach,” said Judy Lenthall, Kauai
The demand for food at the Kauai Food Bank has left the shelves and coffers at the warehouse in Nawiliwili stressed to the limits. “And it’s going to be even more demanding as the holidays approach,” said Judy Lenthall, Kauai Food Bank director.
The food bank is now responding to about 5,000 requests for food each month.
“Such circumstances, especially during the holidays, are a tough cross to bare,” said Andy Melamed of KQNG Radio, who is joining with the food bank to deal with the situation. “I liken it to the months following Iwa and ‘Iniki, where we on Kaua‘i pitched in, with friends, family neighbors, and businesses to again rise to the forefront.”
On Nov. 22 KQNG Radio staff, along with The Garden Island and Dickie Chang’s Wala‘au television program will help produce a Food Bank Foodfest celebration at Kukui Grove Center Stage.
“The shopping center has stepped up big time,” said Lenthall.
The concept is to feature island restaurants, which in turn volunteer their services to provide excellent cuisine creations to the public. All proceeds that afternoon will benefit the Kauai Food Bank. The “Taste of the Season” will feature up to 20 vendors including resorts and restaurants such as: Keoki’s, Roy’s, the Sheraton Kauai, the Kauai Marriott Resort and Beach Club, Nanea at the Westin at Princeville, the Hilton Kauai Beach Resort, Colenti’s, East Side Diner, Kalapaki Joes, Kauai Springs, Regency at Pua Kea, Kauai Athletic Club Deli, Tomkats, Quizno’s, Kauai Bakery, Rob’s Good Time Grill, Kauai Coffee, Sweet Marie’s, and Coldstone Creamery.
Duke’s at Kalapaki is donating 100 pounds of rice directly to the food bank on that day.
The food servings will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entertainment will consist of guest host Augie T and his comedy review. Live music sets will be performed by “Still Watah,” “Roots Generation,” “Alika” and the “New Fyah Sound,” and Kaua‘i’s own “Tommy Patch.” There will be a fashion fling hosted by Augie T that will feature the Harley-Davidson girls, who were the hit of last summers Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair.
A $10 donation, or 10 pounds of rice, or 10 cans of food will earn a plate that will then allow up to 4 servings from guest chefs and restaurants on hand.
That evening, Augie will be hosting a comedy and variety show at Kauai Community College. Those attending the show will be asked to either bring a can of food or make an additional one dollar donation to the Food Bank that night upon entering the Concert Hall at the college. Tickets for the evening show are $10, plus the food or $1 donation.
