Posted on: Saturday, April 16, 2005

EDITORIAL
OK, Hawai'i, it's time to fill the plates again

In a land of such plenty, it seems unfathomable that so many go hungry. But in any given week, 118,000 people in Hawai'i have food on the table only through your generosity.

Some are homeless; some are working poor who cannot afford all of life's necessities; 43,000 of them are children.

The Hawaii Foodbank works with 250 member agencies that make up a food distribution network to feed those 118,000. The need is great, but Island residents have shown year after year their hearts are even greater.

The food bank's annual food drive culminates today in the 16th Annual Food Drive Day. The goal is to collect 550,000 pounds of food and $425,000.

As you go about your errands today, grab a can — or more — of food for this worthy cause. Donation sites are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. across O'ahu: Restaurant Row, Koko Marina Center, McCully Shopping Center, Pearl City Shopping Center, Town Center of Mililani, Wai'anae Mall, Wai'anae Store and Tamura Superette, Waiokeola Congregational Church in Kahala and Windward City Shopping Center. Military food donation sites are: Barbers Point Commissary, Fort Shafter Commissary, Hickam Commissary, Building 1 at Marine Corps Base in Kane'ohe and the Navy Exchange.

Canned meats or tuna and canned meals, such as spaghetti or corned beef hash are particularly welcomed. The food bank also needs canned soups, vegetables, fruits and beans.

You can also make a monetary donation at www.hawaiifoodbank.org.