LIHU‘E — Three seed companies on the Westside, DuPont Pioneer, Syngenta Seeds, and Dow, recently combined to deliver 12,147 pounds and $150 to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank. “This is historic,” said Kelvin Moniz, manager for the Kaua‘i Independent Food
LIHU‘E — Three seed companies on the Westside, DuPont Pioneer, Syngenta Seeds, and Dow, recently combined to deliver 12,147 pounds and $150 to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.
“This is historic,” said Kelvin Moniz, manager for the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank. “This surpasses the Kaua‘i Lagoons contribution which came in at more than 10,000 pounds.”
Moniz said the results of the food drives will help the KIFB feed the youth and elderly on the island.
“We are planning to add to our Keiki Cafe program and the Backpack programs with the success of our Spring Healthy Food and Fund drive,” Moniz said. “We want to start the Keiki Cafe program for the Boys & Girls Club, Lihu‘e Outreach, and extend our Backpack program for two Hawaiian schools in Anahola.”
Moniz said KIFB recently inaugurated its Kupa‘a Kokua Kupuna program that allows elderly residents free monthly food shopping if they belong to a senior program.
Adding to the contributions, the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa had 551 pounds of food, being joined by the Koloa Elementary School with 474 pounds, and the state’s Department of Health which collected 306 pounds of food.
Earlier, the Kaua‘i High School boys volleyball program, celebrating senior night, came up with nearly 200 pounds of food, bringing their total contribution to 313 pounds.
Moniz said more pickups are scheduled for the County of Kaua‘i and other organizations. With last week’s contributions, KIFB is at about 40 percent of its goal of $40,000 and about 11,134 pounds short of its 40,000-pound goal for food.
On Monday, the County of Kaua‘i had more than 4,400 pounds of food ready for pick up by the KIFB staff.
“We’re still picking up food,” Moniz said.
People wanting to contribute can drop off contributions to fire stations around the island, or at the KIFB facility, 3285 Wa‘apa Road in Nawiliwili.
Call 246-3809 for information on how to help.
• Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@ thegardenisland.com.
