StarBulletin.com

20th Hawaii Foodbank Annual Food Drive


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POSTED: Saturday, April 18, 2009

The public may drop off canned food and monetary donations today Saturday for the 20th Hawaii Foodbank Annual Food Drive at several shopping centers, fire stations and military locations throughout Oahu.

Fire stations are collecting now through April 30.

Volunteers are also needed at collections sites. Call 836-3600.

The Foodbank feeds 131,862 people statewide each year, a release said. The number is expected to grow as job layoffs, cutbacks in hours and the rising cost of living impact more people. Children — 32,965 — and over 14,000 elderly are among those who receive help, along with the homeless, low-income families, the disabled, laid-off workers, and those hit by emergencies.

The most needed food items are meats or tuna, meals (spaghetti, chili, corned beef hash), soups, vegetables and fruits. Last year nearly 8.6 million pounds of food were distributed through 250 member agencies on Oahu alone. Partner foodbanks on the neighbor islands are also holding drives.

To donate, visit www.hawaiifoodbank.org, or call 954-7870. Or mail checks to Hawaii Foodbank Food Drive, 2611 Kilihau St., Honolulu, HI 96819.

Collection sites for the Hawaii Foodbank, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday: Koko Marina Center; McCully Shopping Center; Pearl Highlands Center/Pearl City Shopping Center; Town Center of Mililani; Waianae Mall Shopping Center; Waiokeola Congregational Church - Kahala; Waterfront Plaza/Restaurant Row; Windward City Shopping Center; various military locations.

Monetary donations only: Kapolei Shopping Center (by the Pampered Chef); and next to KFC restaurants at the corners of Keeaumoku Sreet and Kapiolani Boulevard, Kailua Road and Oneawa Street, and Lumiaina and Paiwa Streets.