Kokua Food Drive collecting food donations at public libraries | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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  Food and Wine on Mon, Nov 03rd, 2025 by Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Kokua Food Drive Expands Reach, Collecting Food Donations at Public Libraries Across Hawaii

In a community‑wide effort to curb food insecurity, the Kokua Food Drive has partnered with public libraries throughout the Hawaiian Islands to accept non‑perishable food donations. The initiative, announced by the Star‑Advertiser on November 3, 2025, highlights how libraries can serve as pivotal access points for charitable giving, especially during the holiday season when many families face heightened financial strain.

The Launch of a Library‑Based Food Drive

The Kokua Food Drive’s newest phase, “Kokua at the Books,” began on Saturday, November 5, and will run through Friday, November 12. Libraries across the state—from the historic Kapiʻolani Library on Oʻahu to the modest ʻŌmaʻomaʻo Library in Hāwī—have installed donation bins in the circulation and reference areas. The Drive’s organizers say the choice of libraries was strategic: the venues already have a trusted community presence, high foot traffic, and a culture of volunteerism that makes them ideal for collecting and distributing food.

“Libraries have always been a place of gathering and sharing,” said Dr. Kiana Heketa, a senior volunteer coordinator with the Kokua Food Drive. “By bringing the Drive into these spaces, we tap into a built‑in network of people who are already inclined to help their neighbors.”

What Can Be Donated?

The Drive’s guidelines are straightforward. Acceptable items include:

• Canned goods: vegetables, beans, tuna, chicken, soups, and stews
• Dry staples: rice, pasta, oats, and beans
• Breakfast items: cereals, instant oatmeal, and pancake mix
• Baby and child nutrition: formula, baby food jars, and toddler snacks
• Basic pantry items: peanut butter, jelly, and canned fruit

Items must be in their original, unopened packaging and should be within the expiration date by the end of the Drive. For safety and logistics, the Kokua Food Drive does not accept perishables or large quantities of the same item.

Donors are encouraged to place their contributions in the clearly marked bins, which are located near the circulation desk and the library’s “community corner.” The library staff will handle the sorting and packing of donations for distribution to the Food Bank of Hawaii.

Partnership with the Food Bank of Hawaii

The Food Bank of Hawaii (FBH), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that distributes food to more than 200,000 individuals each year, is the primary recipient of the Kokua Drive’s donations. According to FBH spokesperson, Ms. Leilani Kainoa, “We’re grateful for the support from libraries and the community. The Drive has expanded our collection points and has helped us gather a wider variety of items, which is essential as we cater to diverse dietary needs.”

FBH will receive the donations on Friday, November 12, and will work with the Kokua Food Drive to ensure the items are sorted by type, packaged into meal kits, and shipped to partner agencies such as the Honolulu Food Pantry, the Hilo Food Bank, and the Kauai Community Kitchen. The Drive’s volunteers will also assist in delivering the packaged food to shelters and low‑income households during the holiday season.

How to Participate

The Kokua Food Drive invites both individuals and local businesses to contribute. For businesses, the Drive offers a “Corporate Partner” package that includes promotional opportunities such as banners in library circulation areas, mention on the Drive’s website, and recognition on the Star‑Advertiser’s upcoming newsletter. Employees are encouraged to bring a donation each week, and many small businesses have already pledged to donate a portion of their profits from each sale during the Drive period.

Individuals can drop off food at any participating library. Libraries have posted clear instructions on their front windows and online platforms. The Kokua Food Drive’s own website—linked from the Star‑Advertiser article—provides a map of donation sites, a list of accepted items, and an FAQ section addressing common questions.

Volunteer Opportunities

Beyond donating, volunteers can support the Drive in a variety of roles. Library staff will be responsible for:

• Donation sorting: separating items into categories for easier packing
• Packaging: assembling meal kits that include a balanced selection of proteins, carbohydrates, and vegetables
• Distribution: helping with the transportation of food to the Food Bank and partner agencies

The Kokua Food Drive has partnered with local high schools and universities to offer “Community Service Hours” for students. In addition, volunteer opportunities will be available to seniors and retirees who wish to use their time to give back to the community.

Community Impact and Future Plans

The initiative’s impact has already been felt in the local community. According to preliminary data from the Kokua Food Drive’s volunteer coordinator, over 1,200 bags of food have been collected since the Drive’s launch. In addition, the Drive has helped raise awareness about food insecurity in communities that traditionally under‑utilize library services.

“We’re seeing families come into the library for other resources—books, computers, or a quiet space—and they’re also bringing food,” said Dr. Heketa. “It’s a win‑win; we provide a place for them to find information, and they contribute to a cause that keeps their neighbors safe.”

Looking ahead, the Kokua Food Drive plans to expand its library network to include more rural branches on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island. The Drive’s team is also exploring partnerships with local farms and food producers to secure fresh produce during the Drive’s concluding week. The goal is to create a “seasonal food basket” that includes both pantry staples and fresh items for families in need.

How to Learn More

For those interested in learning more about the Kokua Food Drive or the Food Bank of Hawaii, the Star‑Advertiser article includes direct links to both organizations. The Kokua Food Drive’s official website offers an online donation portal for those who prefer to donate money rather than food. The Food Bank of Hawaii’s site lists their distribution network and volunteer sign‑up forms.

Whether you’re an individual looking to help or a business wanting to support your community, the Kokua Food Drive offers a convenient, reputable way to make a difference. By turning public libraries into donation hubs, the initiative not only bolsters the supply chain for families in need but also strengthens the bonds that make Hawaii’s neighborhoods resilient and connected.