The Hawai‘i County police department will host the annual “Fill a Police Cruiser” today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Kona Costco parking lot.

During the event, a marked blue-and-white police cruiser will be stationed at the front of the store, where Costco members and the public are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items. Donors will be able to place items directly into the cruiser and may take photos with officers on-site.

All donated food and monetary contributions will be distributed by The Food Basket to individuals and families across Hawai‘i Island.

The “Fill a Police Cruiser” food drive began during the COVID-19 lockdown to assist kūpuna and families facing food insecurity and has continued annually as the need for assistance has grown.

Over the past four years, the event has collected more than15,901 pounds of food and $27,924 in monetary donations, all of which remain on Hawai‘i Island to support local residents.