The regular crowd of 50 to 60 people received an additional surprise of the contributors’ end-of-year inventory in addition to their normally allotted food supplies.
KIFB warehouse manager Rizalde Tolentino said:
Kelvin Monnis, executive director of KIFB, said many shoppers know other people who can use the extra food and are happy to share it, so the food isn’t wasted. .
KIFB distributes emergency rations twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm or until supplies run out.
Additionally, anyone needing food outside of the scheduled delivery dates can simply call KIFB at 808-246-3809 and staff will accommodate the request with what is available.
Shoppers for the final food distribution of 2022 have added to the food available with the benefit of contributors handing over end-of-year inventory, including fresh produce and fruit.
“This is nice,” said an elderly Filipino woman. “This is New Year’s, and it is customary to put auspicious round oranges on the table. These are good oranges.”
Monis said there are still a few days left for the KIFB Holiday Food and Fund Drive, which will accept donations of non-perishable food and funds through Dec. 30 at all fire stations in Kauai County. Donations can also be brought to his KIFB office in Nawirilwili.
Additionally, Monis said schools will reopen on January 3 or 4 following the winter break, and food banks will need to secure food to keep Keiki nourished when she returns to school.
“We are blessed,” said Moniz. “Mahalo to everyone who has contributed to and continues to support the Kauai Independent Food Bank.
“We were able to support all these people in need of extra kokua, and it was enough to add something that made their holiday celebrations a little brighter.”
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Dennis Fujimotostaff writers and photographers can be reached at 808-245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
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