Da Mobile Market is stocked with fresh produce as the Maui Food Bank launched the mobile food distribution program in March. According to the Maui Food Bank, demand for food is up significantly on Maui and the need is only expected to grow due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Photo courtesy Maui Food Bank
With more than 160,000 people affected by the federal government shutdown and cuts to federal food assistance statewide, nonprofits and government agencies are continuing to increase support for essential household needs in Maui County.
Despite demand being up 18% since August, the Maui Food Bank expects demand to surge by another 35% in the coming weeks with the approaching holidays.
“Our agencies are seeing longer lines, fuller parking lots and more first-time families than we’ve seen in months,” Maui Food Bank CEO Lisa Paulson said. “We’ve expanded our distribution network to reach more areas across Maui County, and we’re grateful to our community for stepping up with generosity and volunteer support.”
Eight agencies have joined Maui Food Bank’s distribution network since October, expanding from 45 to 53 active partners serving the public each week.
New partners include the A Cup of Cold Water ministry program, Door of Faith Church, the Legacy Foundation, Maui Rapid Response, Maui Junior Voyagers, Nā Kia’i O Maui, Pacific Birth Collective and ʻĀina Momona on Molokai, strengthening access to nutritious food across Maui, Molokai and Lanai.
“We’re deeply thankful to our amazing volunteers who continue to show up for their neighbors, and we warmly welcome anyone who wants to help,” Paulson added. “Every extra set of hands and every donation helps us ensure that no one in Maui County goes hungry.”
At a Thursday meeting on Hawaii Island, the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs approved moving forward with giving $6.1 million in relief to Native Hawaiians affected by the federal shutdown.
The OHA relief would provide $350 in direct payments to nearly 14,000 Native Hawaiian beneficiaries and another 1,000 furloughed Native Hawaiian federal employees.
The group that would benefit from the $6.1 million includes Native Hawaiians who are elderly, disabled or receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Also approved was a second-tier of relief providing up to $1,200 to each verified federal civilian worker who has been furloughed and is Native Hawaiian.
State officials are also planning to provide $42.3 million in aid in November, including $250 in emergency relief pay per each eligible individual.
The first payment is set to be delivered on or before Nov. 14, according to Hawaii Gov. Josh Green.
Green has also authorized the use of $100 million in temporary assistance for needy families to help those who may be experiencing financial hardships with housing or utility payments.
More than 160,000 people in Hawaii, including 62,600 children, are affected by the federal government shutdown and SNAP cuts, according to figures provided by the state.
Maui Food Bank reports a steady upward trend in food distribution over the past three months as community needs continue to grow. The organization distributed 537,996 pounds of food in October, an 18% increase since August.
Officials at the food bank expect demand to surge by another 35% in the coming weeks due to the approaching holidays and ongoing federal government shutdown.
To try to meet the need, Maui Food Bank says it has purchased 68% more food than the previous month and continues to import and source food aggressively.
The food bank’s sourcing team brought in eight containers of food in October and plans for at least 10 more this month, while working closely with local partners such as Sun Fresh and Costco to expand produce and perishable supplies.
The organization’s Da Mobile Market Program has also seen an increase in families served, doubling its food supply in October to meet community needs.
In September, 324 families were served, and November is already on track to easily surpass that total, as lines have doubled at mobile distribution sites and new families continue to arrive seeking assistance.
Maui Food Bank’s next large-scale community distribution will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the PFC Anthony T. Kahoohanohano Armory in Kihei. Additional pop-up distributions at the same location are scheduled for 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 3 and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 17.
The Maui Food Bank has set up food distribution areas including Da Market and Pohaku Hub in Lahaina, St. John Episcopal Church and Grace Church in Kula; Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Pukalani; St. Joseph Church in Makawao; and Keolahou Church, Calvary Chapel and Hale Kau Kau in South Maui.
In Wailuku, food is offered through the In His House of Restoration church, the Pentecostal Missionary Church, Wailuku Union Church, Iao United Church of Christ, Good Shepherd Episcopal and Living Way Church.
In Kahului, there’s the University of Hawaii- Maui, Salvation Army Homeless Shelter, Kahului Baptist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Christ the King Church, and the Compassion in Action-Faith In Jesus Church.
Other distribution locations include Waipuna Chapel Outreach in Paia, Youth With A Mission in Haiku, and Ohana Makamae, Hula Hulu Malo and Da Mobile Market in Hana.
For more information, call 211 or (808) 243-9500. For volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, visit www.mauifoodbank.org.
In collaboration with the Maui Food Bank, eight Maui Rotary clubs are planning to collect non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Maui Food Bank. The drive is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15.
Sites and sponsoring clubs are:
• Safeway Ho`okele: Rotary Clubs of Kahului and Upcountry Maui
• Safeway Kihei: Rotary Clubs of Kihei Wailea and Kihei Wailea Satellite
• Safeway Lahaina: Rotary Clubs of Lahaina Sunrise and Lahaina Sunset
• Safeway Maui Lani: Rotary Clubs of Maui and Wailuku
Direct donations can be made by going to mauifoodbank.org/event/food-drive-day/.
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