Upcountry Strong, a Maui-based nonprofit, has launched a fundraising campaign to sustain operations of its Upcountry Pantry into 2026.

According to the group, the pantry opened in August 2024 after years of grassroots organizing and is known in the community as “Da Store.” Each week, it provides essential food to hundreds of households.

“From kupuna and keiki to families housing fire survivors, the need in our community has only grown,” said Claudia Garcia, President of Upcountry Strong. “We are proud to stand with our neighbors, but we need the community’s help to keep the pantry doors open into next year.”

The pantry serves seniors, families and children, fire survivors and displaced residents, working households and more.

Upcountry Strong continues to see rising demand for assistance. The pantry registers around 50 new clients each month, averaging 10 or more new households every week. Currently, the pantry assists 180-200 clients per week, serving roughly 800 individual clients and 2,000 family members each month.

The pantry currently spends around $8,000-$10,000 per month on food, rent, and utilities. While funding is secured through Dec. 31, when the current lease ends, an additional $100,000 will be needed to keep Da Store open through 2026.

People can donate on Giving Tuesday Dec. 2 when Global Giving will match donations made that day. Year-round contributions are also welcome as they cover pantry rent, utilities, and food purchases from local farmers and suppliers.

Donations can be made online at www.upcountrystrong.org/donate or through the mail.

For more information, visit www.UpcountryStrong.org or follow @upcountrystrong on Instagram

and Facebook.