Each weekly food box contains items to support 7 breakfasts and 7 lunches, along with menus and safe, easy-to-prepare instructions designed for children. All menus must meet USDA Child Nutrition Program meal pattern and food safety requirements, including guidelines that limit added sugar, sodium and fat.

Raw fish and raw meats are not included, as distribution sites have limited access to refrigerated storage and USDA guidelines require that foods be safe for children to prepare independently.

Menu substitutions for medically related dietary needs, such as food allergies, may be accommodated. Documentation from a licensed medical professional is required and must be submitted at the time of registration. Dietary preferences that are not medically required cannot be accommodated.

USDA requires that all items included in each week’s approved food box be distributed and received by participating families. We are unable to remove or substitute items from the boxes.

USDA rules determine where pickup locations can be approved and require that participating families live within approved zip codes to be eligible. In addition, Kaukau 4 Keiki organizations, referred to as sponsors, may only distribute food at pre-approved locations, on specific dates, and during designated times.

For other food assistance opportunities, visit HawaiiFoodbank.org/get-help/find-food to see our list of recurring food distributions and resources in your area. 

When you complete the registration application, you will be assigned a pickup location based on the home address you provide. If your registration is approved, it will be approved only for that specific location, and you will not be able to pick up food at a different site. This helps ensure that each location has an adequate number of food boxes available for the families registered and approved there.

Pickup is permitted only at the assigned location and only on the designated distribution days and times. Unfortunately, exceptions cannot be made, including for families who arrive after the scheduled pickup window.

Consistent participation is important to prevent food waste, as food boxes are prepared specifically for your family each week. If an unexpected schedule conflict arises and neither you nor your designated alternate pickup person can pick up your box(es), please notify us at food4keiki@hawaiifoodbank.org as soon as possible, and no later than 24 hours before the scheduled pickup time.

Repeated missed pickups without notice may result in your family being removed from the program so that your spot can be offered to another family in need.

The child(ren)’s parent or legal guardian listed on the registration may pick up the Kaukau 4 Keiki food box(es). During the registration process, one additional person may be designated as an alternate pickup person.

Children listed on the registration do not need to be present at the time of pickup. Children who are listed on the registration may also pick up their own food boxes. For example, a teen listed on the registration may pick up boxes for themselves and for any siblings who are also listed on the registration.

Anyone picking up food boxes is required to present a valid photo ID for verification purposes, as required by USDA regulations. Legal names must be used when completing the registration. At the time of pickup, the name provided during registration must match the name shown on the photo ID.

If transportation is a challenge, you may list an alternate pickup person during registration who can help pick up food boxes on your behalf. This can be especially helpful for families who rely on public transportation, walking or shared rides.

Having access to a vehicle is not required to participate in Kaukau 4 Keiki. Some families pick up food boxes without a car, and most locations allow walk-ups, bicycles, and other non-vehicle transportation options for pickup.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank is not approved to provide home delivery of Kaukau 4 Keiki boxes.

Hawaiʻi Foodbank makes every effort to accommodate all registered families; however, due to limited supply and capacity, this is not always possible. If your family is placed on the waitlist, you may still have an opportunity to receive food.

After the main distribution for approved families has ended, any unclaimed boxes will be made available to families on the waitlist. These boxes are not guaranteed and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

We encourage waitlisted families to come each week after the main distribution time, as some approved families do not pick up their boxes and food may become available.

If space becomes available in the program, some waitlisted families may be moved to the approved list. If this happens, you will be notified by email.