• Home
• >
• News & Events
• >
• News Articles
• >
• 2020
• >
• September
• >
• 9/14 Get involved with Hunger Action Month!
• >

News Articles

Get Involved with Hunger Action Month!

September 14, 2020

From the Office for Social Ministry

September is Hunger Action Month, a time when people all across America are taking a stand against hunger by volunteering, advocating, fundraising and donating to the cause. As witnesses to Jesus, we are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. This call to malama each other is particularly crucial as thousands of Hawaii families continue to struggle with COVID job loss, business closures or reduction of work hours and wages. Since Hawaii’s first positive case of COVID-19, the Hawaii Food Bank reports that food insecurity has grown by more than 60 percent in our state. This represents the 5th highest percentage increase in the nation. Below are some ways you can do your part to share in the multiplication of loaves!

Get involved with FEEDING AMERICA network, the nation's largest domestic hunger-relief organization that works to connect people with food to end hunger. Through Feeding America’s annual campaign, local communities around the country are mobilizing in solidarity to raise awareness and take action on this urgent issue. In an effort heed safety protocols, large scale food collection events are now being done virtually. Here are links to connect with local food drives for every foodbank in Hawai’i. TAKE ACTION by donating online today!

To get involved on the neighbor islands, visit the links below.

• Hawaii Food Bank / Kauai (Virtual Food Drive)
• Maui Food Bank (Virtual Food Drive)
• Hawaii Food Basket (Virtual Food Drive)

TAKE ACTION while doing your grocery shopping and make a contribution to the NOURISHING NEIGHBORS annual fundraiser sponsored by Safeway with support from the Food Research and Action Center. Throughout the entire month of September, customers who visit local Safeway Stores in Hawai‘i will be able to donate to the: “Feed Our Kids, Fuel Our Future” campaign. This national initiative is being led by the Albertsons Companies Foundation whose local affiliate includes 22 Safeway stores on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island.  All funds raised will stay in Hawaii and distributed locally to:

• Food Banks to purchase food and gift cards for people in need
• School Districts (where appropriate) to deliver meals to kids who rely on them when school is not in session
• Organizations working to get food to seniors

Finally, parish food pantries across the diocese are being stretched beyond their means to provide sufficient food for the growing numbers of families (and individuals) who come for food assistance. TAKE ACTION by donating food to your parish or to your neighboring parish pantry. To find the parish pantry nearest you, click here or for additional information on COVID Resources, visit the OSM website. Let’s all work together to end hunger and share what we have with those in need as Witness to Jesus!