Hunger Blog 

During the summer, when school meals aren’t available, Hawai‘i Foodbank works to ensure keiki have access to food through summer meal programs. Here are five food assistance opportunities that can help this summer.

Calling back on her past life experiences, Hawai‘i Foodbank volunteer Suzanne Marinelli finds purpose in giving back to her community. "The reason I’m here is to serve," she describes. "It’s an emotional nourishment ... It serves me to serve others."

Through its Food 4 Keiki School Pantry, Nānākuli Elementary School partners with Hawai‘i Foodbank and ‘Elepaio Social Services to provide its students with greater access to safe, nutritious food – helping fill students’ basic needs at school and at home.

As food insecurity in Hawai‘i reaches critical levels, Airbnb's gift to Hawaiʻi Foodbank and its statewide network of food banks will help provide food for approximately 2 million meals across the islands.

Although some students only volunteer to fulfill service hour requirements set by schools, regular community service can have many benefits like motivation to advocate for issues in the community and strengthening relationships with loved ones.

Hawai‘i mom April Hail is passionate about nurturing – and nourishing – Hawai‘i’s keiki. So much so that, when she established Keiki Kaukau in 2019, she committed to donating a portion of all proceeds to benefit the Foodbank’s Food 4 Keiki programs.