This week on the One O‘ahu Podcast, Amy Miller, president and CEO at the Hawaii Foodbank joins host Brandi Higa, to talk about this year’s “State of Food Insecurity in Hawaii” report, the City’s annual Food Drive, and volunteer opportunities at the organization.
State of Food Insecurity in Hawaii
Food insecurity in Hawaiʻi is a complex issue. To deepen understanding at the local level and to continue to strengthen opportunities for the communities we serve, Hawaiʻi’s Food Bank Hui (Hawaiʻi Foodbank, Hawaiʻi Foodbank Kauaʻi, Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket) has released The State of Food Insecurity in Hawaiʻi 2024–2025, a comprehensive analysis of the ongoing food insecurity crisis across the islands.
“This year, we found that 32% of households across the state are food insecure,” said Miller on this week’s episode of the podcast. “That’s a lot. One in three households are having a hard time getting across to enough food.”
For more on this year’s assessment, please click here.
City’s annual Food and Fund Drive
The City and County of Honolulu has launched its annual City Employee Foodbank Food Drive to benefit the Hawaiʻi Foodbank.
“Those who are already involved in public service, our city employees, (are) really stepping up to take care of their neighbors, and in this really fundamental way,” added Amy Miller.
Residents are invited to participate by dropping off canned food donations at Satellite City Halls and at Honolulu Fire Department stations across the island. This year’s food drive runs until May 8, 2026.
Volunteer opportunities with the Hawaii Foodbank
If you can’t make a food or fund donation, there are other ways to make a difference. The Hawai‘i Foodbank relies on the generosity and spirit of our community to take care of our neighbors in need.
“We can never do what we do without this really incredible network of volunteers,” replied Miller. “It’s really an important way to give back, you know, if you can spare the time, go to our website.”
For more information on the Hawai‘i Foodbank, including ways to volunteer, please visit https://hawaiifoodbank.org/
