• Kauai Food Bank Kauai Food Bank Kauai Food Bank director Judy Lenthall is saying that about one in five Kauaians are now being fed each month by the organization she runs. About 25 percent of the recipients are senior
• Kauai Food Bank
Kauai Food Bank
Kauai Food Bank director Judy Lenthall is saying that about one in five Kauaians are now being fed each month by the organization she runs. About 25 percent of the recipients are senior citizens, and some 50 percent are children.
These statistics are the dark side of the Island’s booming economy. Besides the homeless, many people struggle in homes that are barely making rent and utility payments each month. Supplementing a food budget
While about 11 percent of Hawai‘i’s population is considered to be living in poverty, Lenthall’s numbers show that there might be a sizable number of individuals and families who fall into what’s called the “working poor” category on Kaua‘i, with one foot in poverty and the other in the world of the lower middle class. The difference on Kaua‘i is that the “working poor” in many cases would be doing better economically in a place that had affordable rents, lower food and gasoline prices and no excise, or sales, tax on food and medicine. However, the reality is that those struggling to exist on Kaua‘i live here and are in need. With rising costs their lot in many cases may not improve in the near term, or in the future. The need for an active, well-organized, islandwide food bank is a big part of taking care of this continually pressing need.
It is hard to believe that hundreds, if not thousands, of people go to be each night on Kaua‘i uncertain of whether they will have enough food to eat a decent breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day.
Lenthall’s numbers shows that the number of those in need of food is growing, based on the number of people who are being served each month. The numbers are well above those coming to pantries set up by local churches and by other organizations to distribute food following the visitor industry downturn following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
The Kauai Food Bank is facing the predicament of less funding and more need. State funding has fallen off, as it has in many areas of society, while some foundation giving has picked up.
What’s needed is more support from the public for the Kauai Food Bank. For about $1 the Kauai Food Bank can provide over $15 worth of food through contacts made with grocery stores and other sources of left over food stuffs.
Donations of canned food and other items are also needed. The Kauai Food Bank’s annual drive kicks off in today’s issue of The Garden Island, with special paper sacks inserted into the newspaper.
The public is urged to lend a hand in donating food to the Kauai Food Bank and in providing financial support if they are able.
Volunteers and board members are also a big part of the Kauai Food Bank’s operations. Many Kauaians are long-time supporters of the organization, and go all out in helping to feed the Island’s needy. Working with this organization brings one into active service in an area where the results can be seen daily.
Please use the enclosed paper sack, if you are able.
