A food bank is an organization that procures, stores, and distributed food to individuals, families in need, and the charitable organizations dedicated to helping them. In addition to providing these services, we also offer specific programs focusing on Kauai keiki (children) and kupuna (seniors), maximizing our impact in our community.
KIFB (once called the Kauai Food Bank) was created by members of the Kauai community in 1995 to feed the hungry of our island, many of whom were still struggling years after Hurricane Iniki devastated parts of our island. We were the only food bank on Kauai at that time. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
The food in our warehouse, aside from what is used for our programs, is meant to be used by our partner agencies. These agencies distribute the food to people in need.
Educate; provide nutritious food for the hungry; respond to emergencies.
We provide job training and skill-building to volunteers and workers in our warehouse to help them become self-sufficient. Kauai Independent Food Bank was named Outstanding Employer of the Year in 2009. KIFB also educates the community on the reality of hunger and the need to generously give through its food drives and direct mail campaigns each year.
A healthy diet is very important to KIFB. Our Keiki Cafe Program serves healthy snacks like fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola bars. We include nourishing items like bread, stews. chili, pasta, and fresh fruit in our Backpack Program, while also providing fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, and dairy products, as well as other healthy food items to seniors in our Kupuna Program.
At KIFB staff meetings, participants are briefed about emergency procedures and preparation for possible disasters which can affect the island. Our Uluwehi Emergency Food Distribution allows us to respond to the food emergencies of families and individuals.
Our partner agencies determine the distribution of the food they receive from us to the people they serve. Food that goes to our programs: Keiki Cafe, Backpack, Kupuna, and Uluwehi Emergency Distribution, are distributed according to the focus of that program.
Your donation will help support a variety of KIFB operations and programs. Out Keiki Cafe, Backpack, and Kupuna programs have a specific focus on aiding the keiki (children) and kupuna (seniors) of Kauai. The Keiki Cafe Program allows us support students’ academic enrichment after school, a time when many young people go hungry. The primary goal of the Backpack Program is to help children attending school by ensuring they do not go hungry on weekends. Our Kupuna Program aids the well-being of our Kauai kupuna by providing them access to nutritious food. Our Uluwehi Emergency Food Distribution allows us to anonymously help people who arrive at our warehouse in a food emergency due to loss of a job, illness, or other misfortune. Through Agency Distribution, we supply food pantries that distribute packaged food to their communities, youth services programs that otherwise could not afford snacks during activities, and agencies like soup kitchens, and homeless shelters that serve meals on site.
KIFB receives food in many ways. Every week, Monday through Friday, our staff travel to partner businesses, stores, and farms across the island to pick up food donations. The generous contribution of individuals and organizations at our Food and Fund Drives, and countless donations made at our warehouse, ensure that we are well supplied with food to aid the hungry.
KIFB receives many gifts and grants from businesses and foundations, as well as greatly appreciated donations from generous individuals who give with Aloha.
KIFB keeps track of all the donations and grants that it receives, utilizing these funds properly to achieve its mission. Every year KIFB receives support for our programs, food drives, and other operations through local businesses, organizations, and individuals who trust our integrity and appreciate our service in the the community. KIFB is the only food bank in Hawaii that is accredited by the Better Business Bureau. BBB is the local authority in trust in the marketplace, and sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior.
We encourage those in need of food to contact our many partner agencies, who can assist them. KIFB staff are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM to provide you with information on these agencies.
Information on food drives can be found under the Get Involved tab on this site. Mahalo for your interest in supporting KIFB!
Food drop-offs are accepted at our food bank warehouse located at 3285 Waapa Road in Lihue, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (except all State and Federal holidays).