NAWILIWILI — When the Lihu‘e Dental group showed up with the results of its in-house food drive, the timing could not have been planned better, Kawai Gampon, the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank Programs manager, said.
Lihu‘e Dental’s collection of more than 200 pounds of assorted food, and a little extra financial help, was part of the KIFB Spring Healthy Food and Fund drive that has a goal of 50,000 pounds of food, and $50,000 in financial resources.
“Operationally, the KIFB is getting ready for inventory,” Gampon said. “We’ve been limiting what is coming in to facilitate the inventory process. But Wednesday is the weekly emergency food pickup so the timing on this delivery is perfect because we need the food.”
Dr. Ameer Eghbarieh, the owner of Lihu‘e Dental which recently moved to more spacious quarters in the Plaza Building, said the more than 30-year-old company has a long history of helping the community.
“Don’t forget, we have some money collected, too,” Eghbarieh said. “Lihu‘e Dental was established 30 years ago, and throughout these years, Lihu‘e Dental has been taking care of our Kaua‘i ‘ohana, whether by dental care, or giving back to the community. As the new owner, I want to continue with this legacy. I believe that a strong and united community can overcome any hardship. Kaua‘i is an example of that, and Lihu‘e Dental is committed to support organizations and families. Thank you, KIFB for all you do.”
Coinciding with the Lihu‘e Dental delivery, the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s truck with its weekly delivery of ulu, or breadfruit, rolled in, the timing being set by the Wednesday emergency food pick-ups that number close to a hundred families weekly.
“These ulu are produced by the Breadfruit Institute,” said Mariella Mladineo of the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. “We’ve been supplying the food bank ulu on a regular basis. Today, we have a little extra that’s coming in, so if they can use it, it’s available.”
The Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank Spring Healthy Food and Fund drive continues.
Those interested in contributing toward the 50,000-pound food goal, or $50,000, are welcome to drop off their contributions to any of the fire stations located from Hanalei to Waimea. Contributions can also be dropped off at the Kaua‘i Independent Food Bank warehouse in Nawiliwili on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Small food drives similar to the Lihu‘e Dental drive are also welcomed, and people interested in setting up a food drive can contact Gampon, or Robyn Petterson at 808 246 3809, or visit kauaifoodbank.org.
