Credit union makes food bank donation

LIHU‘E — Kelvin Moniz of the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank was surprised with Friday’s contribution from a local business.

Keith Uyeno, president of the Garden Island Federal Credit Union, and his staff donated more than $4,000 and an estimated 140 pounds of non-perishable food.

“The KIFB is really, really appreciative of this effort,” Moniz said. “Last month, we had to go and purchase $55,000 worth of food to keep up with the demand.”

Moniz said events like the food drive by the GIFCU really help make a difference because there are more community members relying on the food bank.

“We’re going out into the community and even working with farmers to take some of their off-grade produce,” Moniz said. “People in the community are being very supportive and cooperative in trying to help keep others fed.”

Charlene Garcia, GIFCU administrative assistant, said the Friday presentation represented a month-long food drive by the credit union where members brought in food and funds for KIFB.

If a member contributed money, the credit union matched that contribution and the member earned a card which was posted in the lobby.

Operations Assistant Jana Villon, the food bank’s most recent employee, accepted the contribution on behalf of KIFB.

Moniz said Villon started in July and her Friday appearance was one of her first since joining the food bank.

He said events like the GIFCU food drive helps keep the food bank operations going between the two major food drives in the year.

The Holiday Food and Fund Drive is scheduled to start in a few weeks, geared toward helping people have a brighter holiday season.

The GIFCU is the host and organizer of the annual Christmas Parade that will take place on Nov. 27 starting at 4:30 p.m. at Kukui Grove Center.

Visit www.kauaifoodbank.org for more information.