La‘i‘Ōpua 2020 has expanded its food service for those in need to five days a week, thanks to a nearly $1 million Federal CARES funds grant from Hawaii County plus donations from the Hawaii Community Foundation, local restaurants, and other generous donors.

La‘i‘Ōpua 2020 President Kawehi Inaba says that the food service will still be all drive-through at the La‘i‘Ōpua  Community Center, 74-5210 Keanalehu Drive, above Kealakehe High School, at 5 p.m. each Monday through Friday.

On Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the organization will provide free hot meals, one meal per person in  the vehicle.  On Tuesdays, each vehicle may pick up a bag of fresh produce.  On Thursdays, it’s a “make your own meal” bag, which has the meal preparation materials for a meal for 6 to 8 people.  This Thursday, Sept. 10, it’s enchilada casserole.

Anybody is welcome, though the focus is on community members who are suffering from food insecurity.  Everybody is asked to stay in the vehicle and volunteers will bring the food to the vehicle.

The County CARES Funds grant for La‘i‘Ōpua 2020 was $955,000, and like all CARES funds, it must be spent by the end of the year.