PUHI — Corteva Agriscience recently wrapped up its annual food drive by having a delegation personally deliver food and funds to both the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i and the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank on Wednesday.
Earlier in the year, Corteva awarded each of the food banks with grants of $5,000 to help them with the different programs they host to help keep Kaua‘i’s people fed, especially the keiki and kupuna.
“Our Corteva employees participate in our annual food drive to help those in our community that need assistance,” said Laurie Yoshida, Corteva communications manager. “This is one of the ways Corteva contributes to helping Kaua‘i.”
The deliveries to each of the food banks included food and funds amassed by the associates of the Westside agricultural organization, bringing the total annual contribution to more than $12,000, excluding the food collections.
The Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i delivery included 1,503 pounds of food, including sought-after rice, and $250 in cash.
“Mahalo to Laurie Yoshida and Yael Claussen for coordinating this successful food drive, and to all the staff of Corteva Agriscience for the donation that will provide more than 1,800 meals,” said Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i Director Wes Perreira. “This donation comes at a really crucial time, as our food donations have been lower than normal levels. We truly appreciate this.”
Following that delivery, the Corteva group that included Yoshida, Claussen and Pamela Gettler, continued their run to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank warehouse and offices in Nawiliwili, where the group unloaded more than 260 pounds of food, primarily bags of rice, and $1,490.
“Mahalo, Corteva!” said Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank Executive Director Kelvin Moniz. “This comes at a time when demand for food increases with the arrival of the holiday season. KIFB is in the midst of its annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive that started Nov. 1 and runs through Dec. 31, so this is most welcome. Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank is also scheduling a food distribution Nov. 19 in Lihu‘e to ensure that people will have food for Thanksgiving. Part of this contribution will be used to help with that effort.”
Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i Impact Manager Tisha Remigio said food drives are just one way the food banks keep their shelves stocked.
“Hunger affects every community, but many people don’t realize this,” Remigio said. “Food drives help raise awareness about hunger in the community.”
Anyone can help with a food drive. Individuals or businesses can call either the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i, 808-482-2224, or the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank, 808-246-3809, to learn more, contribute or coordinate a food drive.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
