Growing up on the Big Island, I remember that my parents were strong members of a kumiai, or community association — it was more a neighborhood of families coming together during good times, bad times and fun times. And whenever the families got together, there always was plenty of food to eat. My mother was ready to fill another plate at the table because some member of the family would bring a friend home, unannounced. Mother insisted that no one should go hungry. She learned how to cook stew using a pressure cooker just because she had little time to prepare something substantial in a hurry. And all of my siblings and I each grew vegetables in our own patch in the garden.
Life is more complicated today, but as I go down memory lane, I see how the people of Hawai`i still come together to make sure the hungry are fed. The kumiai has been replaced by the Hawai`i Food Bank but the intent of feeding our families remains the same.
Kapi`olani Ohana, it is not too late to donate a gift of food. The Hawai`i Food Bank says it needs to replenish its shelves with canned proteins, canned meals, canned vegetables, canned fruits, and rice. There are 10 collection sites on campus to receive your food items: the Bookstore in `Ohi`a Building,`Iliahi 126, `Ilima 203, Kalia 101, Kauila 122, Kopiko 201, Manono 102, Naio 201, `Ohelo 101, and Olopua 103.
Or, if you prefer to make a monetary contribution, please come to `Ilima 201 and we will provide a receipt.
This year’s food drive will end on Monday, April 27. We will consolidate all food items and monetary contributions for a pick-up by the Hawai`i Food Bank truck soon thereafter.
Thank you so much!
