Foodbank Hawaii Drive | University of Hawaii System

President’s message

The Hawaiʻi Foodbank Annual State Employees Food Drive has begun and will run through May 9, 2025. I encourage your participation in this worthy cause that helps serve Hawaiʻi’s needy, including keiki, kūpuna, the unhoused, people with disabilities, working low-income families, and others needing temporary assistance.

According to The State of Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi 2023 study conducted by the Hawaiʻi Foodbank, the issue of food insecurity certainly hits home for many of our students. The study found that 49% of young adults ages 18-29 were most affected by food insecurity, and concurrently, 44% of those currently enrolled in higher education were food insecure. Throughout the years, the Hawaiʻi Foodbank has distributed food to the various campus food pantries across the University of Hawai‘i System, with a total of 819,082 pounds of food distributed, so a donation to the Hawaiʻi Foodbank is a donation to help those in our student population as well as others who need the help and support.

Last year, state employees donated over 59,000 pounds of food and over $164,000 in cash, providing food for 403,899 meals. As one of the largest state contributors to this annual event, UH accounted for over $53,000 in cash (which provided food for more than 125,666 meals) and over 11,900 pounds of food. The UH ʻohana truly made a difference!

The Foodbank’s goal this year is to raise 50,000 pounds of food and $167,000. The top 5 most wanted items are financial contributions, canned meats/tuna, canned meals, canned vegetables or fruits, and rice (5-10 lb. bags).

Let’s come together to support our neighbors in need. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, counts, and your generosity can impact their lives. Together, we can create a stronger community, and I hope each of us who can assist our neighbors in need will give what we can to help.

Thank you for your generous support of the UH annual event for the State Employees Food Drive. Your past contributions have made a significant difference, and we are grateful for the continued support!