Maui Health donates turkeys, rice to food bank for holidays

The Maui News

Maui Health donated more than 4,600 combined pounds of turkey, vegetarian roast and rice to the Maui Food Bank on Monday.

The donation, which has become an annual holiday tradition, included nearly 250 frozen turkeys and vegetarian roasts, and a full pallet of 15-pound bags of rice.

"We strive to be good community partners and together with the incredible people at Maui Food Bank and the many other vital organizations they serve, we can all continue in our mission to care for our community," Maui Health Human Resources Director Tara Cole said in a news release Tuesday.

The holidays are the busiest time of the year for Maui Food Bank, which supports not only individuals but also organizations like Women Helping Women and the Salvation Army.

"This year after the devastating fires our community needs us more than ever," said Brandi Saragosa, Maui Food Bank director of operations. "We are so grateful for our partners like Maui Health; their support each year helps ensure so many families in need across Maui County can enjoy a holiday meal together."

The annual Maui Food Bank donation helps to kick off Maui Health's holiday celebrations, including its annual employee turkey distribution, which took place last week. Employees at Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Outpatient Clinic and Wound Care Clinic, and Kula Hospital, each received a turkey, veggie roast or rice. Lanai Community Hospital employees were gifted a ham. Many staff members also chose to donate their turkeys or bags of rice to the Maui Food Bank.