Holiday food drive kicks off at South Kohala resort

Hawaiʻi Island community members are invited to support The Food Basket now through Dec. 22

As of Tuesday, the public is encouraged to participate in the Waikoloa Foundation’s second Waikoloa Holiday Food Drive in support of The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank and its efforts to provide food assistance and promote community resiliency.

The resort-wide food drive will run until Dec. 22, and The Waikoloa Foundation, Queens’ Marketplace, The Kings’ Shops, Marriott Vacation Club and Hilton Waikoloa Village have committed to making additional monetary donations.

“Our Hawaiʻi Island community is still feeling the rippling effects of COVID-19,” said Cary Boeddeker, Board Chair, The Waikoloa Foundation. “We’re thankful that so many of our Waikoloa resort community has come together this year with us to support our neighbors, friends and family members who rely on The Food Basket’s critical resources.”

The food drive’s timing comes as The Food Basket is facing an unprecedented food shortage, exacerbated by federal supply chain issues. The shortage has posed a challenge for the organization as it works to serve 50,000 Hawaiʻi Island residents per month, a sharp increase from the 14,000 community members in need prior to the pandemic.

“We’re facing a historic low in supply, but the community needs our support now more than ever,” said Kristin Frost Albrecht, Executive Director, The Food Basket. “Sky-rocketing prices of rent, groceries and utilities have significantly affected families, and The Waikoloa Foundation’s leadership on this effort has been integral to supporting kamaʻāina in need.”

Last year, the Waikoloa Holiday Food Drive raised more than $55,000 and 1,000 pounds of food for The Food Basket.

Community members can donate non-perishable food at the following locations throughout Waikoloa:

• The food court at the Queens’ Marketplace
• A-Bay’s and Main Stage by Tiffany & Co. at the Kings’ Shops
• The golf shop at the Kings’ Course Clubhouse
• Main Lobby at Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

To learn more about the Foundation’s mission and commitment to Waikoloa, click here.