Blood bank extends program to help foodbank

HONOLULU — During the month of December, Hawai‘i Foodbank, with the help of its partners and volunteers, distributed 2.3 million pounds of food to families on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i.

As a result of the “Give Blood. End Hunger.” campaign partnership with Blood Bank of Hawai‘i, through which BBH will provide a meal for every blood donation made in December, Hawai‘i Foodbank will receive the equivalent of 4,628 meals on O‘ahu and 348 meals for its Kaua‘i branch.

Due to the overwhelming positive response from the community and in celebration of National Blood Donor Month, Hawai‘i Foodbank and BBH announced the extension of the “Give Blood. End Hunger” campaign through the month of January.

For each blood donation made, BBH will continue to provide a meal to an individual or family in need through a donation to Hawai‘i Foodbank.

“We’re so incredibly grateful for community partners like the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i,” said Hawai‘i Foodbank President and CEO Ron Mizutani.

“Since the global pandemic surfaced in Hawai‘i in March, Hawai‘i Foodbank has distributed nearly 23 million pounds of food on O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. Through the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i’s creativity and partnership, we were able to feed thousands during the holidays and will be able to help even more people in need through the extension of the campaign.”

“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Hawai‘i Foodbank,” said Todd Lewis, BBH chief operating officer. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we had a record turnout in December, and we hope to keep the momentum going throughout January.”

Each blood donation can save up to three lives.

Healthy donors interested in giving blood may register at bbh.org or call 848-4770. Appointments are required. Individuals with questions about operations during COVID-19 may visit bbh.org/COVID-19 or connect via social media. Follow Blood Bank of Hawai‘i @BloodBankHawaii.