Did you know that 1 out of 5 people, annually, need help in getting food? Yes, according to the Fact Book of the Hawaii Food Bank, 287,000 people, of all ages, receive help in getting food each year in Hawaii.

On December 28, 2015, Rev. Blayne Higa, Chair of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii Committee on Social Concerns and Bishop Eric Matsumoto, Bishop of the Jodo Shin Buddhist Mission, visited Polly Kauahi, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hawaii Food Bank to present this year’s donation. (See photo, courtesy of Hawaii Food Bank.)

The Committee also made donations to Neighbor Island agencies such as Maui Food Bank, The Food Basket (Hawaii Island) and Kauai Independent Food Bank & Hawaii Food Bank Kauai Branch as part of a State-wide effort to eliminate hunger. In total, $6,000.00 was donated for the year, 2015. According to Hawaii Food Bank, a $10 donation distributes food for 25 meals.

This contribution is in addition to other efforts, directly or indirectly, connected with the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii such as the Oahu United Jr. YBA and Hawaii Buddhist Council Food Drives.

The HHMH would like to express their gratitude to the members and friends of Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii for your generosity which allows the Mission to help those in need in our communities. It is anticipated that with the impact of the related concern of homelessness/houselessness across our state, the need for food will also increase in the coming years. Once again, thank you for your dana!