HANAPEPE — As part of a positive action campaign, the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai partnered with the Hawaii Army National Guard, and numerous military-connected groups, including the Waimea High School JROTC program, Team Rubicon and U.S. Navy at the Pacific Missile Range Facility to offer free food for up to 200 families at Hanapepe Armory on Saturday.
“In a land of so much bounty, it is hard to realize that one of three military families are at risk of food insecurity,” said Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Manager Wes Perreira. “During this weekend Kauai Malama Military Food Distribution where we celebrate our people involved in protecting our freedom, we are happy and honored to be part of this relief effort.”
The food distribution, one of several scheduled by the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai during the month of November as part of the Homeless and Hunger Awareness Month, is a hands-on response to the original proclamation declared by Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami and the county’s team of community supporters on Nov. 1 during a public gathering at the Moikeha Building.
“Food insecurity and hunger reach into most of our working class homes,” said Farah Aquino, the Kauai County Housing Agency’s homeless coordinator during the proclamation. “We are grateful for our partners, the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai, and our many nonprofit homeless service providers that do this work tirelessly, day in and day out. We could not address these issues without them.”
Recognizing that the proclamation was not limited to a single day observance, Hawaii Foodbank Kauai was joined by other community service providers and supporters, including Gov. Josh Green through the governor’s Kauai liaison Dana Hazelton, the Kauai County Council, Family Life Center, Kauai Community Alliance, Catholic Charities Hawaii, Hale ‘Opio, Project Vision, Permanently Affordable Living-Kauai, the Kauai Economic Opportunity and more.
“Though we focus on the needs of the hungry and houseless during the month of November, the Kauai County Council urges everyone blessed with food and shelter to support the less fortunate year-round,” said Kauai County Council Chair Mel Rapozo.
The Hawaii Foodbank Kauai, in partnership with the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, Kauai, is scheduling another food distribution on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Kauai Philippine Cultural Center for up to 300 families on a first-come, first served basis in a drive-thru format.