PUHI — Congresswoman Jill Tokuda was impressed by not only the healthy cucumbers and eggplants from Lin Farm, but also the fresh frozen Wailua Meat that were included in the food parcels being distributed during the free food distribution by the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai at its Puhi warehouse on Thursday.
“It would cost me a lot if I had to buy this in Honolulu,” Tokuda said. “I’m Okinawan so I’m wondering if they do the same with bittermelon.”
Tokuda joined the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai staff and volunteers to distribute food to a steady stream of cars passing through the drive-thru distribution that included packages of fresh produce, fruits, assorted canned food, a package of rice and the package of locally grown meat.
This was Tokuda’s last stop on her day trip that included meetings with several groups, including the Kauai Police Department, Department of Water, YWCA of Kauai and Hawaii Foodbank Kauai.
The direct distribution is the latest initiative to fight hunger on Kaua‘i, being done on Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai warehouse and offices in Puhi Industrial Park.
“Normally, our food to clients are handled through the network of food pantries,” said Trisha Remigio, Kauai Branch Assistant Director of the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai. “But customers were saying there is not enough service for people living in this Lihue area. Customers also said because they were working people, the hours when food was available was inconvenient and making them miss getting food.”
Addressing these and other concerns, the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai started the direct distributions on Oct. 3 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at its Puhi facility with drive-thru and walk-in service. The program will continue each week until further notice. People needing food can visit the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
“We are committed to filling the gaps in food access on Kauai,” said Michelle Panoke, the agency and administrative supervisor at the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai. “These direct distributions are a great way for us to get food directly into the hands of those who need it most.”
During the Thursday distribution, Remigio said more than 80 families had received food help through the Puhi distribution.
“It’s getting better, each week,” Remigio said. “During the second week (of the month), we were thrilled to serve 60 families, including 172 adults and 115 children. The distribution provides much-needed relief for those struggling with food insecurity. We anticipate an even larger turnout for our next distribution.”
For more information, visit www.hawaiifoodbank.org/kauai/.
