Statewide Summer Food Program Launches This Month

A new summer feeding program will launch statewide for school-aged children starting June 14.

Kaukau 4 Keiki is being implemented in partnership with USDA Food Services, Hawai‘i Child Nutrition Program, and food access coordinators across the islands. Vibrant Hawai‘i is leading the program on the Big Island, which will run from June 14 to July 31.

The free program is open to all children, 18 years and younger, and up to age 22 for individuals who live with a physical or mental disability and participate in school programs.

“Our network of resilience hubs continue to provide critical support to their communities. Through the Kaukau 4 Keiki program we are able to expand and welcome new partners to the network.” said Janice Ikeda, Executive Director of Vibrant Hawai‘i.

Kaukau 4 Keiki will provide a 7-day kit of breakfast and lunch supplies, including locally sourced produce. Hawai‘i Island kits will include 10 pounds of fruits and vegetables, and a mix of pantry staples such as bread, cereal, shelf-stable milk, and shelf-stable protein for keiki to create healthy, nutritious meals.

Families can register online at bit.ly/kaukau4keiki. Kits will be distributed island-wide. For more information and to make a donation go to kaukau4keiki.org.