Food Bank Hui: Stronger Together
Hawaii Foodbank
Feeding America celebrates the collaborative efforts of Hawai‘i’s Food Bank Hui
Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, celebrated Hawai‘i Foodbank and its affiliates, Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket, at the organization’s annual conference in April. Hawai‘i Foodbank was among nine network members recognized for their outstanding work during the conference’s “Network Celebrations” event.
Known as the Food Bank Hui, Hawai‘i’s network of food banks was recognized for their efforts to invest in one another and work collaboratively towards a future where everyone in Hawai‘i has access to safe, nutritious and sufficient food all year round. Notably, the group was recognized for its successful advocacy efforts that led to a $2 million allocation from the state.
“The achievements of these food banks demonstrate the impact we can have when we come together.”
“Each of these network members has made a tremendous impact in their communities,” said Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, CEO of Feeding America. “The achievements of these food banks demonstrate the impact we can have when we come together.”
Hawai‘i Foodbank, Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket have long expressed interest in stronger connections and shared initiatives to support food security and health across the state. In recent years, the three organizations have worked together through the Hawai‘i Hunger Action Network, pandemic feeding responses and joint legislative advocacy. In 2022, the group secured funding to formalize its collaboration — creating the Food Bank Hui.
“We cannot do this work alone, and we can achieve far more together than we ever could individually,” said Kina Mahi, director of advocacy and partnerships at Hawai’i Foodbank. “We share the important responsibility of providing long-term food security to all of our communities. Joining forces with food banks across our pae ‘āina is paramount in our quest to make a systemic difference for people in Hawai’i.”
As a trusted and unified voice for ending hunger in Hawai’i, the Food Bank Hui continues to expand and share in its efforts to serve the daily needs of communities statewide, advocate for policy change, increase funding for food security and capture more resources for Hawai’i.
