NAWILIWILI — Isabelle Tumpap, the daughter of Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank Programs Manager Leona Perez, was thrilled when Kelvin Moniz discovered some “kiddie treats” among the Friday contribution by Jo Evans and Julie Gardner of Foto4Food.
“This is the third week we’ve come here,” Evans said. “And this is the biggest load yet. We have more than 300 pounds of food and some $1,530 in cash.”
The collection represents donations from family portraits done by Evans and Gardner. Initially, Foto4Food will focus on assisting KIFB, but other organizations could be considered depending on the community’s response.
“We would like to provide family portraits as an incentive for people and/or businesses to share what they can without having to leave their homes or place of business,” states the Foto4Food.org website. “Images will be donated electronically to participants as a ‘mahalo’ for their donation.”
Since starting their donation organization, the pair come to the KIFB on Fridays with their weekly collection of contributions.
“Julie is really good,” Evans said. “After studying the COVID-19 mandates and rules, she learned we were essential, and we got started. Today, we just got our ‘Foto4Food’ shirts.”
The first week ending May 1 finished with 75 pounds of food and $890 in cash collected for KIFB.
“We did a few graduation photos, too,” Evans said. “And we have more scheduled after this delivery.”
The second week ending May 8 yielded 126 pounds of food and $550 in cash for the KIFB.
“Monetary donations are amazing because it allows the KIFB to purchase exactly what they need,” Evans said. “We will gladly accept monetary donations in the form of a check made out directly to the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank.”
From KIFB headquarters in Nawiliwili it was off for a prospective shoot that takes place from at least six feet away, with no contact. Appointments can be set up using the contact form found on the website.
“Right now, we’re primarily in the South Shore, the Westside and Lihu‘e area,” Evans said. “But we have done some photos in Kapa‘a.”
Foto4Food has the possibility of expanding depending on other photographers willing to volunteer to expand the opportunity, she said.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
