Hawaii Island Food Basket will distribute food boxes to anybody in need on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Kona’s Kekuaokalani Gym at Old Airport, starting at 10 a.m.

On Friday, there will be food distribution at Pahoa Community Center, starting at 10 a.m.

Both events will conclude at noon, unless food supplies deplete sooner.

National Guard troops are assisting Hawaii Island Food Basket, and they and other volunteers will place the food into the vehicles so anybody coming is asked to have space available in their trunk or back seat.

Hawaii Food Basket Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrecht, says anybody in need is encouraged to come.  There are many people on the island who have never before been food insecure, but with COVID and loss of jobs and the crash of the island’s economy–there is no shame in needing or accepting food.

Albrecht was instrumental in working with KTA Superstores to establish Da Bux local produce program, which allows those on SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) to get a card which allows them to double their purchasing power for local produce.  Right now, the State has expanded the program.  Through Dec. 29, those with a Da Bux card may spend $50 and get $100 worth of local produce, eggs, or ground beef.  For more detail, click here.

The next Hawaii Food Basket food distributions will be next week–Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Volcano’s Cooper Center and Friday, Oct. 30 at the Honoka’a Sports Complex.  Both will begin at 10 a.m.

Photo is National Guard troops placing food in a vehicle at a previous Kekuaokalani Gym food drop.