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Feed a Hungry Veteran This Veteran’s Day!

October 31, 2022

From the Office for Social Ministry

According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service (USDA-ERS), working-age veterans have a 7.4 percent greater risk of experiencing food insecurity than non-veterans. Higher food insecurity with Veterans can be attributed to variations by health and disability status, age, gender and geography. (Center of Strategic and International Studies). 

Across the nation, communities rally to supplement outreach to men and women who served in uniform, to include veterans who are food insecure and homeless.  Each year, the Point in Time Count (PIT) gathers homeless data on all islands and in every community across the nation.  A statewide total of 347 sheltered and unsheltered veterans were engaged during Hawaii’s 2022 PIT. 

During the height of the pandemic, the VA coordinated efforts with different community organizations to collect non-perishable foods to distribute to homeless veterans and those recently transitioned into permanent housing.  The food supply for our veterans has dropped significantly while the need continues to grow. 

Veteran’s Day is November 11th, the anniversary of the end of World War I and a day dedicated to paying tribute to those who served in our U.S. Armed Forces.  Why not consider donating non-perishable food items to hungry veterans on your island? 

OAHU  Food donations may be dropped off at the Spark Matsunaga VA Medical Center (near Tripler) at 459 Patterson Road.  (Flyer HERE)

HILO  Food donations may be dropped off at the Hilo VA Clinic at 45 Mohouli St, Hilo, or call (808) 935-3781.

OAHU, MAUI, KONA  Additional parish drop-off locations are being coordinated with local VA Clinics and a few of our parish pantries.  Contact Iwie at the Office for Social Ministry for details on the location nearest to you (808) 203-6702 or (808) 226-3678. 

KAUAI  Food donations are coordinated through the American Legion who will be hosting a Food Drive at Safeway on November 11-12.