LIHU‘E — The Summer Rice Drive, directed by Hokulei Village Shopping Center Safeway store Manager Lesah Merritt, benefitted the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i to the tune of more than 5,000 pounds of rice during its run from early June at both the Safeway Waipouli and Safeway at Hokulei Village.
“This support comes at a crucial time, when the kids are out for summer break and parents worry about putting enough food on the table,” said Heidi Padilla, the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps) outreach coordinator for the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i.
“During the drive, customers were able to purchase a bag of rice (to donate) at checkout. When a customer purchased a bag of rice, it was announced over the store’s intercom, and Safeway staff rang bells at their checkout stand. It was such a fun and simple gesture that made customers feel great about supporting local families in need,” Padilla said.
Tishia Remigio, Michelle Panoke and others from the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i helped the Safeway staff during the first weekend of the drive. Panoke and Padilla also spread their volunteerism efforts to other events, including the Kaua‘i Poke Festival, where they served as volunteers for the Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association Kaua‘i branch.
“During my time promoting this campaign, there was a father and son who walked up to our table. After greeting each other, he asked his son, ‘Why don’t you ask auntie what this is about?’ The boy looked to be about 7 or 8 years old, but to my surprise, he showed interest and asked,” Remigio said.
“After hearing how he can be involved to make sure another kid like him has something to eat, he took a flier with him as they went grocery shopping. Following their shopping and hearing a rice donation announcement, the boy placed the flier back on the table and smiled,” said Remigio.
“We thanked him for what he did, not realizing he is making a huge impact in someone’s life. It’s very important that we teach keiki to give back, as it allows us to do better while helping our community to be better. What left me smiling for a moment gave me hope for the years to come.”
Remigio said she was asked by several people: What does the foodbank do with the rice?
“This Summer Rice Drive is a phenomenal deal to us, especially to those families who are struggling to purchase enough food to eat. A few things happen to the rice,” said Remigio, the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i impact manager.
“We first receive the product after our initial food inspection declaring the food is safe for consumption (just like every donation the Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i receives). Following delivery to our warehouse in Puhi, the rice is equally distributed among our agency partners, who serve those facing hunger. We have food pantries available every day of the week in all parts of the island. There is no shame in receiving food because everyone deserves a seat at the table,” Remigio said.
For a listing of food pantries, visit hawaiifoodbank.org/help/.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
