=LIHUE — It can be difficult providing all the supplies to match the need. But every bit helps. “We’re limited in how much we can do by the funding we receive,” said Judy Arrigo, Kauai Independent Food Bank treasurer, when
=LIHUE — It can be difficult providing all the supplies to match the need.
But every bit helps.
“We’re limited in how much we can do by the funding we receive,” said Judy Arrigo, Kauai Independent Food Bank treasurer, when the nonprofit received a sizable donation from County of Kauai employees for its spring food drive Monday. “There is a need for expanding the programs we currently offer, but we can only work with the funding we have.”
The County of Kauai contributed $1,665 and 9,658 pounds for the KIFB spring food drive.
Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. challenged the county’s employees to do more for the 2015 KIFB Spring Healthy Food and Fund Drive. The program’s goal is $40,000 in contributions and 40,000 pounds of food.
“We encourage 100 percent participation from all employees, and a challenge to each department to increase its contribution by 20 percent from last year,” he said.
Arrigo said the Keiki Backpack programs — two in Kekaha, one in Kapaa, and one in Anahola — are an example of a growing need that’s limited by funding.
Currently, the food bank fills more than 700 backpacks each month with food for kids to take home.
“We’re only now catching up,” Arrigo said. “And we’re still getting requests from people.”
The Kauai Independent Food Bank distributed more than 208,000 pounds of food to more than 48 nonprofit agencies in 2014.
The food bank also fills more than 13,500 snacks through the Keiki Cafe program, and about 120 seniors receive help under its kupuna program. There were 224 food requests for the Uluwehi Emergency Food Distribution program.
Food contributions can be dropped off at any of the fire stations on the island, or at the KIFB Nawiliwili facility, 3285 Waapa Road.
