Leading Local Chefs Help Fight Hunger

By Lori Kaya, grants and communications manager, Hawaii Foodbank

Hawaii Foodbank (HFB) founder John White opened our first warehouse on Sand Island Access Road in 1983. Operating with one driver, a donated truck, a forklift and two refrigerated containers, HFB distributed 380,000 pounds of food to 75 agencies.

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Chef Chai Chawasaree (right) serving Alec and Kae Sou at last year’s Great Chefs Fight Hunger event | Hawaii Foodbank photo

Fast-forward 29 years, and HFB now distributes more than 12 million pounds of food to more than 250 agencies annually.

Hunger is a reality for 183,500 people statewide this year. A family struggling to make ends meet. A widow choosing between food or medication.

A homeless family living in their van. Think about the people in your life.

You probably know someone in a similar situation you could add to the growing list of people who rely on HFB and your donations.

The Hawaii Foodbank’s 24th annual Food Drive is happening now through April 20. Our goal: to raise 1 million meals. We need canned foods to fill bags given with hope and encouragement. We need monetary donations to distribute food for meals to nourish thousands with the courage and strength to face another day.

Chef D.K. Kodama and Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya are gathering some of Hawaii’s greatest culinary talents, as well as fine wine and beverage purveyors, for Great Chefs Fight Hunger from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 23. at HFB. Enjoy unique tastes from more than 20 chefs, including Hawaii’s culinary legends Kodama, Chai Chawasaree and Alan Takasaki. Experience creations from rising stars such as Mark Noguchi, Bob McGee and James Beard Award semifinalist Quinten Frye.

To complement your dining experience, enjoy fine wines, ales, craft cocktails and sake samples from Hawaii’s leading beverage houses.

Enjoy live performances by Jazzy Jay and other top entertainers. Browse our silent auction for exclusive culinary experiences and luxury packages. Purchase a key for a chance to unlock “The Cellar Door” and win a selection of fine wines.

Please visit us at hawaiifoodbank.org or call 836-3600, ext. 244 to purchase your tickets today. Proceeds raised by the Great Chefs will help feed the hungry in Hawaii and bring us closer to our food drive goal of 1 million meals.

Hawaii charitable organizations may send requests for space in either Proof Positive or the free advertisement below to dchapman@midweek.com.