Aloha In Action activating 12 food distribution sites around Big Island

With the suspension of SNAP — or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also better known as food stamps — benefits beginning Saturday (Nov. 1) and the ongoing federal government shutdown creating uncertainty for local families, communities around Hawaiʻi Island are moving quickly to meet the urgent needs of their neighbors.

Aloha In Action — Vibrant Hawaiʻi’s islandwide emergency response effort — has 12 community food distribution sites are activating to ensure residents can continue to have access to essential food resources.

Registration for Aloha In Action distribution opens at 4 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 30).

With generous support from friends and neighbors in the Kūkiʻo, Kohala Coast and Waimea communities — along with many others around the island, state and nation — early efforts will focus on underserved areas where families might feel the greatest impact of the disruption, including North Hawaiʻi, the Hāmākua Coast and Puna mauka.

Each distribution will include locally sourced produce, proteins and shelf-stable food, supporting an estimated 1,800 residents during the first 3 weeks of November.

The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s food bank, will conduct ʻOhana Food Drops for residents in other areas of the island, including in Hilo, Pāhoa, Nāʻālehu, Kona and Waimea.

Visit The Food Basket website for more information.

This project prioritizes households whose SNAP benefits have been paused and federal employees impacted by the government shutdown. Proof of eligibility is required.

Visit the Aloha In Action website for registration details.

Fresh produce and canned good donations are welcome at each distribution site. Visit the Aloha In Action site to see when your community is accepting donations.

Canned goods can also be dropped off at American Savings Bank branches in Hilo, Waimea and Kailua-Kona to support islandwide distribution efforts.

Coordination is underway, but this response depends on community kōkua.

Donations are urgently needed to sustain efforts and ensure support reaches those most affected. Every contribution helps.

To make a financial donation Make a financial donation at the Vibrant Hawai‘i website. You can also click here to volunteer.

Email to contact@vibranthawaii.org or visit the Vibrant Hawai‘i website for coordination or partnership inquiries.