Volunteers pose for a photo during a Binhi at Ani food distribution event. The nonprofit is planning to hold another food distribution Nov. 15 in Lahaina. Photo courtesy Binhi at Ani

First established by Binhi at Ani during the pandemic, the Bayanihan Food Distribution program will return to Lahaina on Nov. 15.

“Last year, we brought the Bayanihan Food Distribution program to the west side,” said Arnel Alvarez, president of Binhi at Ani. “Binhi at Ani received such a positive response we decided to bring it to Lahaina again this year as it’s important to bring the program to those who are in the most need.”

The distribution is open to the public and will begin at 9 a.m. Nov. 15 at Lahaina Intermediate School, according to Nora Cabanilla-Takushi, the event chairperson and a 2023 fire survivor. The event will continue until the supplies of food boxes, hot food, produce and assorted groceries are exhausted. There will be a limit of one box per vehicle.

For traffic flow purposes, vehicles must drive to the top of Lahainaluna Road where volunteers will direct drivers, allowing only right turns into the intermediate school.

Maui Food Bank has been a partner with Binhi at Ani in its food distribution program, and the Maui Lions Clubs Region VI Zone 1 has donated another $10,000 to purchase produce for the food distribution.

Donations of cash and canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables are also being accepted at the Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center from 3-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Volunteers are needed to prepare the food boxes at the Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center in Kahului on Nov. 13 and Nov. 14. Volunteers are also needed for the Nov. 15 distribution at Lahaina Intermediate School.

For more information, call Cabanilla-Takushi at 808.276.8861.