Foodbank seeking donations of rice

By Beverly Creamer
Advertiser Staff Writer

The Hawai'i Foodbank has run out of rice, and residents are being asked to help out with donations at their closest Jamba Juice.

"The demand is so great we can't keep up with it," said Lori Kaya, development and communications coordinator for the Foodbank.

Demand was higher in the first six months of this year than last, said Kaya, and the Hawai'i Foodbank has bought a container load of rice — 40,000 pounds, for $10,000 — that will arrive next week and last approximately through September.

"We've distributed all the rice we collected during the food drive in April," Kaya said. "It normally lasts through the holiday months.

"Our member agencies are telling us over the past couple of months that they've had an increase in the number of clients, including families, individuals and the elderly."

Aloha United Way telephone operators who field calls on the 211 referral line have seen a marked increase in referrals for emergency food through June.

The Foodbank provides food to 260 community agencies that distribute it to the needy. Food also goes to Neighbor Island food banks.

This year's food drive focused on protein sources, such as tuna, beans, Spam and soups. Kaya said that might have affected donations of rice.

Jamba Juice is working with the Foodbank to take donations during September and offer coupons, Kaya said. For every 5 pounds of rice, donors receive $1 off; for 10 pounds, a "buy one, get one free" coupon; and for 20 pounds, a free smoothie.

Reach Beverly Creamer at bcreamer@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8013.