The Food Basket, Inc. - Hawai'i Island's Food Bank

🌺 We encourage all of you to check this amazing event for a weekend filled with aloha and art at the Big Island Art Fair! 🎨✨ This Thursday to Saturday, immerse yourself in the vibrant world of creativity at Kahilu Town Hall.

🤙 A Big Mahalo to all art enthusiasts for making this event possible! 🌟 Your support means the world to us.

🎉 Don't miss out on the excitement! Engage in the Silent Auction and make a difference by contributing to The Food Basket. 🍲 Your bids will help nourish our community and spread love.

Let's come together, celebrate art, and make a positive impact on our community! 🌈 See you at the Big Island Art Fair! 🌺

Gobble 'til you wobble! Thanks for trotting with us two weeks ago - you made our feathers ruffle with joy at the sixth annual Turkey Trot at Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii that raised much needed proceeds for the Food Basket! Secure your spot today for next year's Turkey Trot with our exclusive early bird special: https://www.fairmontorchid.com/events/turkey-trot/

🌟 A heartfelt MAHALO to the incredible Amanda Mills and Bank of America for their generous donation of 991 cans of food through the amazing Cangineering project! 🥫✨

Amanda's dedication and hard work truly shine as she transformed these cans into a stunning Dog sculpture. 🐾🎨 We're beyond grateful for her tireless efforts in rallying support and making a significant impact on our mission to end hunger.

Together, we're building a stronger, more compassionate community. Thank you, Amanda, and thank you, Bank of America, for your commitment to making a positive difference! 🙏🌈

Check-Out Hunger with The Food Basket and KTA this holiday season🛒
Check-Out Hunger makes it easy for shoppers to make a difference in the lives of local families by giving the gift of food this holiday season. To participate, shoppers can add a $5, $10, or $20 donation to their grocery bill when they check out at locations across Hawai'i Island. Donations will be taken from December 1st through December 21st, 2023. Since its launch in 1993, the Check-Out Hunger program has raised more than 3 million dollars state-wide!

October's harvest has us feelin' some kind of way 😍 Kōkua Harvest projected that 997 pounds would be rescued, but a grand total of 2,280 pounds of fresh produce made its way to communities across the island. Mahalo to Children of Mauna L.O.A., H.P.P Community Center, Hale Lako, Honoli'i Food Share, HOPE Services, Konawaena Elementary School, Lei Ohana & Lei Kupuna, Mountain View Elementary, and St. Benedict's Church for receiving and distributing to those in need! The hard work of the program's amazing volunteers helped make it all possible and we extend our heartfelt thanks to them as well. There's still a chance to sign up to volunteer for next month's harvests! Visit kokuaharvest.org for more details

Looking for ways to serve your community in a meaningful way AND get paid to do it? The Food Basket, Inc. - Hawai`i Island's Food Bank seeks enthusiastic and reliable individuals to join our team. Full-time positions are available In Kona and include:
• Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement
• Other Employee Perks
Visit hawaiifoodbasket.org/tfb-jobs for more details and to apply.

This we invite you to join us in making a difference in our community by contributing your time (sign up to volunteer at hawaiifoodbasket.org/volunteer), a food or monetary donation, or using your voice to advocate for positive change. Let's work together to make an impact not just today, but every day. ❤

Aloha Hawaiian Beaches Pantry participants! The pantry relocated from DA STORE last month and we just wanted to remind you that its new location is at Hawaiian Beaches Park, located at 15-2727 Manani St. Distribution starts at 11am and if you have any questions please reach out to 808.896.8393.

On this special day, we take this moment to express how grateful we are to our Board of Directors, partner agencies, amazing ambassadors, all of our hard-working volunteers and generous donors, and our community for allowing us to continue to serve and be your trusted resource and advocate to end hunger in Hawai'i County. Without your help, we could not do what we do! May your day be filled with warmth, love, and the company of cherished family and friends ❤

Thanksgiving Meals will be provided today (first come, first serve) by:
• The Salvation Army at Aunty Sally Kaleohano's Luau Hale (799 Piilani St, Hilo) from 11am-1pm.
• The Salvation Army at Jackie Rey's (75-5995 Kuakini HW Kailua-Kona) from 10:45am until pau

Just a friendly reminder that we will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Please visit hawaiifoodbasket.org/find-food-now to locate food resources in your area.

Join us at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo tomorrow, November 22, 2023 to celebrate Thanksgiving with our community. The event is on a first-come, first-serve basis and will run from 10am-12pm. To ensure smooth traffic flow, please do not arrive more than 30 minutes early.

DA BOX The Food Basket's Community Supported Agriculture Program will be taking a break this week, November 21-24, 2023. Fear not, they will be back to distributing their fresh, Hawai'i Island-grown produce on November 28, 2023.
In the meantime, check out daboxbigisland.org to learn more about the farmers they source produce from, what you can expect as a member, and most importantly when the next sign-up week is 😁🥑🍆🍅🥬🥭

This coming Wednesday, November 22, 2023, we will have a Thanksgiving 'Ohana Food Drop distribution at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. The event is first come, first serve, 10am-12pm. Please do not arrive more than 30 minutes prior so traffic flow is not disturbed.

Thanksgiving Week Notices:

The Food Basket will be closed Thursday 11/23/23 and Friday 11/24/23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

DA BOX The Food Basket's Community Supported Agriculture Program will be on a Program Break 11/21/23-11/24/23. Produce will not be distributed during this time.

🦃🥧Thanksgiving meal distributions open to the community (all distributions are first come, first serve):
• 11/19/23 - Hope Diamond Ministries Thanksgiving dinner right after Sunday service which ends at 1145am at Kahuku Park (56-170 Pualalea St, Kahuku). They will also hand out holiday meals for home preparation to families at the event.
• 11/21/23 - Kona Task Force "Meet-N-Eat" (grab-n-go meal) at Kealakehe Intermediate School Cafeteria (74-5062 Onipaa Street Kailua-Kona) from 6pm-630pm
• 11/23/23 - The Salvation Army at Aunty Sally Kaleohano's Luau Hale (799 Piilani St, Hilo) from 11am-1pm.
• 11/23/23 - The Salvation Army at Jackie Rey's (75-5995 Kuakini HW Kailua-Kona) from 10:45am until pau
• 11/23/23 - Gospel of Salvation Church at St. Augustine's Walker Hall (54-3801 Akoni P**e Hwy., Kapa'au) from 11am-1pm

Food insecurity is a widespread issue affecting many in higher education. Despite being often overlooked, studies have shown that it can significantly affect a student's quality of life and academic performance. If you or another student you know needs a helping hand, check out these resources that can give you a boost.

Hawai‘i Island Food Basket helping nonprofits feed families on Thanksgiving | Big Island Now Last year, the Hope Diamend Ministries gave out 60 turkeys with grocery bags full of items that included stuffing, salad and dessert.

Mahalo to Rotary Club of Hilo Bay for stopping by to bless us with a $1000.00 donation to help alleviate hunger this holiday season! ❤
Pictured L-R: Leelen Park, Bryan Lindsey, James Tyrin, Enola Kaneta, Dale Tokuuke, Vince Cruz, and Matt Torres

Waikoloa Night Market Market is holding a Thanksgiving Celebration and Food Drive this Saturday, November 18th, from 4pm to 8pm.
Live music, delicious food, and tons of fun activities for the whole family PLUS a chance to make a difference and support hunger relief by donating non-perishable food items to benefit The Food Basket. Help us spread love and blessings this holiday season ❤

Have you ever come across the "Best if Used By" label on meat, poultry, or egg products? You might be wondering if it's a requirement on these food items, or if consuming them past the indicated date is dangerous. We wanted to share some basic information and encourage you to learn more about food product dating and food safety at: fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/food-product-dating

You can also access a Shelf Stable Food Storage Chart here: fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/shelf-stable-food

Hawaii Wildfires – Special Disaster Rules For Accepting Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Have Been EXTENDED:
SNAP retail food stores located in Hawaii, Honolulu, Kalawao, Kauai, and Maui counties may continue to accept SNAP benefits in exchange for hot foods and foods intended to be consumed on retailer premises through December 31, 2023. To find more Disaster Assistance related announcements visit fns.usda.gov/disaster/hawaii-disaster-nutrition-assistance

The Food Basket - SNAP Outreach

Have you noticed a fraudulent transaction on your EBT card, or perhaps a loss of SNAP benefits? If you suspect fraud, it's essential to report it immediately by visiting your nearest Processing Center where you can also request a replacement for your SNAP benefits. A list of DHS Processing Centers statewide can be found here: humanservices.hawaii.gov/blog/processing-centers-and-first-to-work-units

The Food Basket - SNAP Outreach

Fairmont Orchid's 6th Annual Turkey Trot is this Saturday, November 18th! It's time to come trot with us and enjoy complimentary refreshments and cocktails. All participants will be entered to win a variety of prizes. All registration fees and donations are being donated to The Food Basket, Inc. - Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank.
Learn more or register at hawaiifoodbasket.org/turkey-trot

Looking for ways to serve your community in a meaningful way AND get paid to do it? The Food Basket, Inc. - Hawai`i Island's Food Bank seeks enthusiastic and reliable individuals to join our team. Full-time positions are available In Hilo and Kona and include:
• Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement
• Other Employee Perks

Visit hawaiifoodbasket.org/tfb-jobs for more details and to apply.

Our Hilo and Kona Warehouses will be closed this Friday, November 10, 2023 for Veteran's Day.
If you are a DA BOX The Food Basket's Community Supported Agriculture Program member, please remember to pick up your produce between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM today as there will be no distribution tomorrow.

Due to the Veterans Day holiday, Kupuna Pantry distributions will not take place this Friday, November 10th, 2023. Distribution has been rescheduled for next Friday, November 17th, 2023 for Kulaimano Community Center & Honoka’a Sports Complex.
Please call 808.933.6030 if you have any questions.

Fairmont Orchid's 6th Annual Turkey Trot is just around the corner! Come trot with us on November 18th, 2023, and raise money to help end hunger on Hawai’i Island. All participants can enjoy complimentary refreshments and cocktails and be entered to win a variety of prizes.
Special Kama‘aina Stay & Play rates are available to kama‘aina for stays from November 17-20, 2023 (Garden View category).

There is still time to register for the race today at hawaiifoodbasket.org/turkey-trot

Mahalo to everyone who donated for the Rice Pyramid fundraiser with drop-offs at Jackie Rey's and Kealakehe Intermediate School! The drive was a great success, collecting 1,928 pounds of rice to help feed our Kona friends and neighbors in need. Special thanks to Kailua Kona Lions Club and to all who helped with this food drive!

In addition to our 'Ohana Drop in Na'alehu this morning, the following pantries will also be operating:

9:30AM - Ka'u Food Pantry - 92-8606 Paradise Mauka Cir, Ocean View

11AM - Joseph's Storehouse - 183 Keawe St, Hilo

11AM - Salvation Army - 75-223 Kalani St, Kona

We wish you and your 'ohana a safe and fun Halloween!

'Ohana Food Drop TODAY at Na'alehu Hongwanji. Distribution will start at 10:00 AM. We kindly ask that you do not arrive more than 30 minutes early to avoid traffic disruption.

The Food Basket is seeking a compassionate and motivated individual to fill the role of SNAP Outreach Specialist in West Hawaii. The position involves raising awareness about SNAP benefits among eligible individuals and guiding them through the application process. The specialist will also establish relationships with community-based organizations, the education system, and social service agencies to promote SNAP and relevant programs. The role involves remote, office, and outreach work.
Send your resume to [email protected]

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in the Kau'u area, the Ka'u Food Pantry is here to help. Here's everything you need to know:

Location: 92-8606 Paradise Mauka Circle, Ocean View, HI 96737 (St. Jude's Church above Kahuku Park)
Distribution: Takes place on the last Tuesday of every month, starting at 9:30am
Contact: Reach out to 224.209.9404 with questions.

The Food Basket is partnering with innovative collaborators to cultivate a 24.5-acre plot of land in Hilo that will support the production of safe, affordable, nutritious, and equitable food for our community.
To learn more about our vision visit hawaiifoodbasket.org/hoolako

Join us for an 'Ohana Food Drop at Na'alehu Hongwanji on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Distribution of food will start at 10:00 AM. To avoid any traffic disruption, please do not arrive more than 30 minutes early.

Hawaiian Beaches Pantry Has Moved!
Starting today, October 23, 2023, Hawaiian Beaches Pantry is bidding farewell to Da Store and moving to its new location at the Hawaiian Beaches Park. Same time (11 am), new place. Questions? Please call 808.896.8393.

Call for Volunteers to Assist with November Kupuna Pantry Distribution
We are seeking volunteers to help pack food boxes for the upcoming distribution event. If you have volunteered with us in the past and would like to lend a hand, please call 808.933.6030 to sign up. New to The Food Basket? Register as a volunteer at hawaiifoodbasket.org/volunteer.

VIP Mortgage Inc Hawaii in Kona is excited to announce its Turkey Drive taking place now to November 16, 2023. All proceeds benefit The Food Basket's Kailua-Kona warehouse. Non-perishable Thanksgiving Dinner side items can be dropped off at 75-169 Hualalai Rd, Ste 302 Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. For turkey donations, please contact Michelle at [email protected].

Exciting News: Hawaiian Beaches Pantry has a new location!
Starting next week food pantry distribution will move from Da Store to Hawaiian Beaches Park: 15-2727 Manini St, Pāhoa, HI 96778. Same time (11am), new place.

Exciting Job Opening in our Kailua-Kona Warehouse!
An exciting job opportunity is available for a dependable Warehouse Associate and Driver to join our Kailua-Kona Warehouse team. If you're a quick learner who can take charge of the warehouse when necessary and have prior experience operating lift-gate trucks, as well as the potential to learn how to operate forklifts and pallet jacks, we want to hear from you. Apply now and become a valuable asset to our team!
Send your resume to Marshall Akamu at [email protected]