Rice donors respond to Foodbank's plea

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

It appears there will be enough rice for Spam musubis after all.

Community response has been strong to a Hawai'i Foodbank plea for rice donations, Foodbank spokeswoman Lori Kaya said.

A high demand for rice over the first six months of the year drained the Foodbank's supply. A containerload of rice was purchased by the Foodbank, but that was expected to last only through September.

The Foodbank launched a "Race for Rice" campaign and asked people to make donations at any Jamba Juice location. Kaya said the early response has been excellent, with rice donations "pouring into Jamba Juice stores."

Kaya said one of the largest single donations has come from the Hawai'i Management Alliance Association. She said the company had held a food drive in April and had contributed more than $10,000 in cash and 9,870 pounds of food.

But HMAA officials this week also began an impromptu fund-raising event that will allow employees to dress casually in exchange for donations. Kaya said the company expects to raise enough money to buy 3,000 pounds of rice.

Kaya said the Foodbank will continue to accept donations at Jamba Juice stores throughout September. In return, donors will receive $1 off any item for every 5 pounds of rice, a "buy one, get one free" coupon for 10 pounds of rice, and a free smoothie for 20 pounds.

Foodbank agencies feed more than 118,000 people each week, including 45,000 children.

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

The Foodbank provides food to 260 community agencies that distribute it to the needy.

Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.