WAILUKU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The Maui Food Bank is preparing for its major food drive this Saturday. This event aims to gather donations to support the entire county.
Lisa Paulson, the CEO of the Maui Food Bank, emphasized the urgent need. “We have many people relying on us, and the faces of those in need are changing,” she said. Many of the new visitors are working families struggling to pay their bills. In fact, one in three families in Maui is facing food insecurity.
Brandi Saragosa, the food bank’s COO, highlighted the types of people coming for help. “We see single mothers and employed individuals who just can’t make ends meet. Your support can truly make a difference,” she noted.
The food bank played a crucial role after the devastating wildfires in Lahaina in 2023, providing food to those who lost everything. Before the fire, they distributed 3.3 million pounds of food. In the last year, that number surged to 7.6 million pounds. While demand has eased since the fires, this Saturday’s drive is expected to help over 400,000 people.
The Maui Food Bank usually hosts a spring and a holiday food drive. Since last year, they’ve partnered with Hawaii Foodbank for additional support. On Saturday, you can donate at four different Safeway locations in Maui. Shoppers can grab a QR code shopping list to make it easy to contribute.
The rising need for food assistance in Hawaii reflects a broader trend. Nationally, food banks saw a significant increase in demand during the pandemic. According to Feeding America, 42 million people rely on food banks each year, including 13 million children. In Hawaii, the continued impact of high living costs and economic strain means that initiatives like the Maui Food Bank are vital.
For more details about Saturday’s food drive or other ways to help, visit the Maui Food Bank’s website.
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