Kiko Camacho, Matson’s district manager for Maui, and Brandi Saragosa, chief operating officer of the Maui Food Bank, stand for a photo in front of the food bank’s mobile food truck. Matson is one of the food bank’s biggest supporters with contributions valued at more than $1.55 million since 2022. Photo courtesy Maui Food Bank

The Maui Food Bank is thankful for a number of charitable shipping contributions valued at more than $1.55 million from Matson.

According to the food bank, the Matson shipping company has donated freight services to transport 156 shipping containers carrying food and essential supplies to Maui since 2022, making it one of Maui Food Bank’s largest partners.

The food bank says Matson’s support has been especially critical since the 2023 Maui wildfires, when food insecurity surged and demand for relief services skyrocketed.

That year alone, the company shipped 73 containers valued at $692,467 to help meet community needs.

“Matson has a long tradition of supporting the communities where we live and work,” said Ku’uhaku Park, senior vice president of government & community at Matson, in a statement. “We focus our resources on supporting community organizations that are particularly effective in providing vital services, and Maui Food Bank plays an essential role in helping Maui families and individuals in need overcome food insecurity.”

In addition to the container donations, Matson has provided shipping for Maui Food Bank’s mobile market truck, also known as “Uncle Mana.”

The mobile market truck can serve up to 350 families, carry 6,000 pounds of food and reach remote and rural areas across Maui.

“Matson’s generosity goes far beyond logistics,” said Brandi Saragosa, chief operating officer of Maui Food Bank. “Their shipping donations make it possible for us to move food quickly and cost-effectively, and their support for Uncle Mana helps us reach families who otherwise might not have access to fresh food.”