Hawaii Community College Announces Donation To The Food Basket

Hawaii Tribune Herald

Courtesy photo Food Basket Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrecht, left, and Food Basket staff members Sarah Hamakawa, Zoe Banfield, Duryn Izumo and Alanna Bumatay receive a ceremonial check from Hawaii Community College Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas, right.

Hawaii Community College is pleased to announce the donation of $2,000 to The Food Basket Inc.

The funds were raised through HCC’s Walking Challenge, a faculty and staff initiative that began in January to promote health and wellness and raise funds for The Food Basket.

Private donors pledged to contribute to the Hawaii Island food bank if faculty and staff met their goal to collectively walk 1,000 miles during a six-week period. The walkers exceeded their goal as 49 participants walked 1,977.9 miles, and the donors increased their pledge accordingly, from $1,000 to $2,000.

“We are truly touched and honored by the continued generosity of the Hawaii Community College community with this $2,000 donation,” said Food Basket Executive Director Kristin Frost Albrecht. “This will go immediately towards purchasing healthy, good food to help our island’s most vulnerable families who have been adversely impacted by the pandemic.”

“Hawaii Community College and The Food Basket have been strong partners for many years,” said HCC Chancellor Rachel Solemsaas. “The organization supports our on-campus food pantry initiative that combats food insecurity among Hawaii CC students. The Walking Challenge and this donation also aligns with our 80th anniversary celebrations as we strive to give back to the community, which has supported Hawaii Community College since 1941. We are pleased to be able to give back to The Food Basket, which has done so much for the Hawaii Island community, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Walking Challenge was spearheaded by HCC’s Faculty Staff Development Committee.