NAWILIWILI — People seeking emergency food were treated to a year-end surprise on Wednesday during the scheduled Emergency Food Distribution at the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank facility in Nawiliwili.
The normal crowd of between 50 to 60 people received an additional surprise of contributors’ year-end inventory in addition to the normally allocated food supply.
“We’ve got inventory coming up, so we need to move the food out,” said Rizalde Tolentino, KIFB warehouse supervisor.
Kelvin Moniz, KIFB executive director, said he knows the food won’t be going to waste because a lot of the shoppers know other people who can use the extra food and are willing to share.
The KIFB hosts twice-a-month emergency food distributions, the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month starting at 10 a.m. and running until 1 p.m., or while supplies last.
Additionally, people who need food outside of the scheduled distribution dates simply need to call the KIFB at 808-246-3809, and the staff will accommodate the request with whatever is available.
Shoppers to the last food distribution of 2022 had the benefit of contributors turning over their year-end inventory, including fresh produce and fruits, that was added to whatever food was available for them.
“This is good,” one elderly Filipino woman said. “This is New Year’s, and it’s custom to put round oranges on the table for good luck. These are good oranges.”
Moniz said there a few days remaining in the KIFB Holiday Food and Fund Drive, which will accept contributions of nonperishable food or funds through Dec. 30 at all Kaua‘i county fire stations. Contributions can also be dropped off at the KIFB offices in Nawililwili.
Additionally, Moniz said schools are back in session on Jan. 3 or 4 following the winter break, and the food bank needs to ensure food goes out to the schools to keep the keiki nourished on their return.
“We have been blessed,” Moniz said. “Mahalo to everyone who contributed and continues to support the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.
“We have been able to support all of these people who need the extra kokua, and had enough to add a little something that makes their holiday celebrations a little brighter.”
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
