With increasing numbers of those in need, the Maui Food Bank asks the community for more donations. “We need more help than usual.”As the holidays approach, there is concern that many Maui County residents may go hungry. The Maui Food Bank strives to make sure that never happens.
“We’re positive and proactive but also realistic,” said Maui Food Bank Executive Director Richard Yust. “We’re fulfilling our mission to feed the community, but in dire times as these, we need more help than usual. That’s where the community and its caring individuals come into play.”
The Maui Food Bank—an affiliate of the Hawai‘i Food Bank and America’s Second Harvest—is the only nonprofit agency in the county that collects, warehouses and distributes mass quantities of perishable and nonperishable foods, servicing over 8,000 a month. Last year, they distributed over 1.2 million pounds of food, with nearly 100,000 people served.
“There are more people in need this year,” said Yust. “We see no end in sight with the economy as it is.”
Food collected from grocers, wholesalers, growers and community drives is stored in the 10,000-square-foot Wailuku warehouse, which is currently having trouble keeping its shelves continually stocked.
According to Maui Food Bank Development Director Marlene Rice, food bank supplies are down 18 percent, yet requests are up 21 percent.
“It’s essential more people do drives,” said Rice. “The community’s pulling together and we hope we can supply to the demand.”
According to Yust, there’s been steady decline in retail stores’ donations. “It seems shipping practices have changed,” he said. “Shipping’s so expensive. Retailers are ordering less, especially for an undefined number of visitors.”
Yust tries to “hustle” grocers, but unfortunately, many wait until the last minute to pull items off the shelves. “Stores just aren’t back stocking anymore,” he said.
The Maui Food Bank distributes through a network of over 100 member agencies, including relief programs of pantries, soup kitchens, outreach programs and senior programs such as the Senior Mobile Pantry.
As you have probably noticed lately, a large number of businesses, churches, schools, county offices and individuals are holding food drives. “People in Hawai‘i are usually very generous when times are tough, but we need them to step up even more,” said Yust.
Yust is looking into other avenues, developing new programs such as the “Home Harvest” (tentative name), in which people would harvest their own trees and donate the fresh produce to the food bank.
“The best source of nutrition is fresh [food],” said Lynn Shikatani Curtis, agency relations coordinator.
“We’re trying to change attitudes,” she said. “How about growing a head of lettuce at low cost and donating? Can’t grow a can of beef stew in your garden.”
The Maui Food Bank strongly advocates residents contribute their own produce, from gardens and yards. Instead of taking that bunch of backyard bananas to the office, drop them off at the Maui Food Bank
“Don’t let it die on the vine,” said Yust. “We got hungry people here!”
“Make the most of your resources and donate excess you may have,” said Curtis.
Yust would also like to see more farmers participate, employ a fresh produce program and perhaps even hire farmers.
The Maui Food Bank’s holiday drive this year is entitled “‘Tis the Season… to fill hungry tummies,” and runs through the end of January.
“The theme is for all seasons, but especially during the holidays,” said Rice.
In 2007, the holidays accounted for 236 food drives with 81,062 pounds collected.
“We plan on exceeding that this year,” said Rice.
During their American Savings Bank drive, an individual can feed a family by filling the paper bag that comes in the Sunday paper, or bring your own bag to any bank through Dec. 19. Last year over 14,500 pounds of food was brought in from the eight Maui locations.
“I gained 442 pounds and couldn’t be more pleased,” said Christie Ellison about the food drive she initiated in her Pukalani neighborhood.
Ellison was overcome with emotion as she looked at dozens of Maui Food Bank bags lined up in her garage, filled with goods. A week prior, these bags were empty. Now, they are filled to the brim with a variety of staple foods and nutrition needed by those suffering in Maui.
In that week, Ellison knocked on over 80 of her neighbors’ doors, with the promise to return the following weekend to collect. She ended up collecting nearly 442 pounds of food. Not only was that rewarding, but she said the camaraderie she experienced with her neighbors was priceless. “The unexpected gift for me was getting to know my neighbors and talk story with them as we united in a common cause,” said Ellison. (See her commentary, “It’s Up To You,” on page 4.)
Food Bank collection involves just a few simple steps: Pick up bags from Maui Food Bank, distribute to neighbors, pick up a week later and deliver. “Hunger is a solvable problem,” said Rice. “You can be part of the solution.”
“In order to help us succeed, hold a drive, today!” said Rice.
The Maui Food Bank needs more stocks of protein, canned foods, cereal and most importantly, fresh produce, fruit and vegetables.
Financial donations are also accepted, as the Maui Food Bank is able to purchase $8 worth of groceries with each $1 donated.
Drop off unopened donations all year long at any fire station or the Maui Food Bank at 760 Kolu St. in Wailuku. Call 243-9500 to find a drive, or for assistance in developing your own. Visit www.mauifoodbank.org.