Foodland starts 13th year of education aid project

The 13th annual Shop for Better Education program is kicking off at Foodland supermarkets, allowing customers to designate a favorite school — or, for the first time, a favorite Hawai‘i public library — to receive "education points" redeemable for computers and educational materials.

Here’s how it works: Customers who use Foodland’s Maika‘i discount select a school or library and, every time they use their cards, a certain number of points are applied to that beneficiary’s account (customers also earn Maka‘i points for themselves, good for discounts and rewards). Customers can earn extra bonus points by purchasing items designated as Shop for Better Education products, and by spending $40 or more in a single visit.

Since Shop for Better Education began in 1988, Foodland has given away more than $5.4 million in computer equipment, software and books to Island schools. Last year, $700,000 worth of goods went to schools.

The program ends March 13.

Correction: A previous version of this story erroneously said the program starts March 13.

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