Libraries become collection hubs for food donations today through Friday

The state of Hawaiʻi has launched the Kōkua Food Drive, a weeklong food collection campaign beginning today in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Public Library System to support food banks across the islands.

In response to the ongoing federal shutdown and disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), residents are encouraged to bring canned goods and other nonperishable food items to their local public library during regular business hours today to Friday, Nov. 7.

Donations will be distributed by the Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Maui Food Bank, The Food Basket, and their partner agencies to ensure residents continue to have access to food during this challenging time.

“In Hawaiʻi, we take care of one another — that’s the true spirit of kōkua,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, who is leading the drive. “As families across our state feel the effects of the federal shutdown, we’re asking everyone who can to lend a hand. Every can, every donation, every act of aloha helps feed our families and strengthen our communities.”

All library branches across the state will serve as collection hubs, except for the Kāneʻohe and Wahiawā branches, which have limited space, and Lāhainā, which is closed. For all branch hours, visit here.

Last week, Gov. Josh Green announced coordinated relief efforts to support food access statewide, including $2 million in state funding to help Hawaiʻi’s food banks sustain essential operations and $500,000 from the Farm to Families program to purchase local food for distribution.

“Libraries have always been the heart of our communities, where people connect and care for one another,” said State Librarian Stacey Aldrich. “We’re honored to support the Kōkua Food Drive and hope our collective efforts help nourish every person and family across Hawaiʻi.”

The state library branches on Hawaiʻi Island include:

• Hilo Public Library
• Kailua-Kona Public Library
• Honokaʻa Public Library
• Kealakekua Public Library
• Laupāhoehoe Public and School Library
• Keaʻau Public and School Library
• Mountain View Public and School Library
• Nāʻālehu Public Library
• Pāhala Public and School Library
• Pāhoa Public and School Library
• Thelma Parker Memorial Public and School Library
• North Kohala Public Library

Food donations collected through the Kōkua Food Drive will help ensure food banks statewide can continue providing uninterrupted service to communities in need.

For information on food distribution by island:

• Hawaiʻi Foodbank (Oʻahu and Kauaʻi): hawaiifoodbank.org 
• The Food Basket (Hawaiʻi Island): hawaiifoodbasket.org 
• Maui Food Bank: mauifoodbank.org 

In addition to libraries, food donations are also being collected at the Office of the Lieutenant Governor at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Monetary donations to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Maui Food Bank, and The Food Basket are also welcome and can be made online. For more information or to donate, visit hawaiifoodbank.org/kokua.