Salvation Army Lanai meal distribution associates Joyce (center), Sunshine (back left) and John (back right)
Thank you for your interest in becoming a partner of The Food Basket, Hawaiʻi Island’s Food Bank. Our partner agencies are a crucial piece of our mission to ensure those with low food security receive healthy food access. Local organizations can support and serve their communities more efficiently with assistance from The Food Basket.
We are currently partnered with more than 100 non-profit and community service-based agencies that share our efforts to disburse food directly to our communities and into the hands of working families, keiki, and kupuna throughout. These partners provide a wide range of assistance from Food Pantries and Soup Kitchens to Homeless Shelters and Outreach Programs that provide emergency food assistance or other direct services to those in need.
It is through these partnerships that we believe we can reach our goal to end hunger on Hawaiʻi Island.
It is difficult to see your neighbors in need and not want to help. While we welcome new agency partners, chances are there might already be an agency in your area. If so, we encourage you to consider partnering with an existing organization that administers food distribution in your community. Most agencies welcome additional volunteer or financial support to help them expand their hours or the number of people they serve.
If you find your community is absent a close food distribution area and wish to initiate a partnership with The Food Basket, there are a few requirements:
Your agency must hold a current 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS OR meet the IRS requirements for classification as a church OR be in good standing under the umbrella of a parent organization that holds a 501(c)(3) status.
Have adequate refrigeration, freezer, and storage space to ensure the wholesomeness of food that is stored until it is used or distributed.
Be licensed as a food service establishment according to the provisions and guidelines of the State Department of Health with at least one member holding a Food Safety Training certification.
If you meet the above requirements please contact Alanna Bumatay at 808.933.6030 or alanna@hawaiifoodbasket.org to arrange a site visit.
Hawaii Community College Food Pantry Team