For a lot of families, this time of year becomes one of those special occasions when several generations come together, talk story and gather around the dinner table. In my family, days like Thanksgiving and Christmas became multi-day affairs. Everyone would get together again the day after for leftovers, which was sometimes a bigger event than the actual holiday, itself. We were taught by my grandmother to eat every grain of rice on our plates, as to leave even one grain was disrespectful to those who may be going without that same night. It’s a lesson that has stuck with me over the years; though, at the time I didn’t fully realize just how fortunate we were.

Here in Hawai‘i, the idea of seeing multiple generations under one roof isn’t reserved for just the holidays. In fact, nearly eight percent of households statewide are classified as multigenerational, where at least three family generations live in the same home. In many ways, this household structure represents one of the most beautiful things about Hawai‘i. It embodies the word ‘ohana and the concept of a larger family that extends far beyond the nuclear. The people within it are bound by a genuine sense of taking care of one another. Compassion, support, loyalty and aloha radiate throughout the home.

Grandparents in multigenerational households can experience hunger at more than twice the rate of those in homes with no grandchildren. To help ensure every member of the household has the nourishment they need, Hawai‘i Foodbank offers nutritional support through programs like ‘Ohana Produce Plus, the Senior Food Box Program and more.