PUHI — Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank was nearing its goal for financial contributions this week after exceeding its food-collection expectation earlier this month. “We’re pretty close to goal right now,” said Judy Lenthall, KIFB executive director, after receiving a check
PUHI — Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank was nearing its goal for financial contributions this week after exceeding its food-collection expectation earlier this month.
“We’re pretty close to goal right now,” said Judy Lenthall, KIFB executive director, after receiving a check for $1,000 from Grove Farm Co., Tuesday morning. “We’ve already surpassed the weight total of 40,000 pounds, and with the Grove Farm contribution, we’re about $3,000 short of the $40,000 goal with two days remaining.”
Lenthall said the deadline of Dec. 15 was extended to Dec. 31 so all the contributions could be tallied.
Marissa Sanblom, Grove Farm vice president, said the Tuesday contribution was in addition to the company’s annual support of the KIFB Annual Holiday Food and Fund Drive.
“We’ve always supported the food bank’s holiday drive,” Sanblom said. “But this is a tough year, and we hope that this extra will help take care of some families, especially during this holiday season.”
KIFB is one of the smallest food banks in the state, but takes care of one of the largest segments of the population, Lenthall said. Currently, she estimates KIFB distribution accounts for about 17 percent of Kaua‘i’s population.
“This has been a very tough year,” Lenthall said in answer to a question from Sanblom about the number of children being served. “Our figures from the Kids Cafe with the Boys & Girls Club, Waimea Clubhouse, and the Backpack Kids for children in the Kapa‘a area, has tripled.”
Lenthall said there are various barometers measuring the end of the economic downturn, but the numbers are still constant at the food bank.
The Hunger Study, 2010 reported the KIFB fed more than 11,000 unduplicated people in 2009, states its website. Demand for food has increased by 40 percent, and KIFB food distribution increased by 37 percent creating a situation where food is often going out as fast as it’s coming in.
On the brighter side, Lenthall said the 2010 Holiday Food and Fund Drive has been one of the most challenging and the most gratifying in the 17-year history of KIFB.
Earlier this month, students from Elsie Wilcox Elementary School, King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School, and off-road motorcycle riders pushed the weight total beyond the 40,000-pound goal several days before the Dec. 15 deadline.
“We’re at almost 50,000 pounds of food,” Lenthall said. “The KIFB would like to thank the community for helping us help feed the hungry. We never would have gotten here without the support of everyone in the community.”
Visit www.kauaifoodbank.org, or call 246-3809 for more information.
