In this season of Thanksgiving, we give thanks to the countless organizations and individuals who have stepped up to help the hungry in Maui County. In the face of adversity, the true character of a community emerges, and nowhere is this more evident than here on Maui in the wake of the devastating wildfires. The outpouring of support and generosity has brought to light the incredible impact that collective gratitude can have on a community in need.
Before the fires, the statistics painted a stark reality: one in 10 people were food insecure in Maui County, with an alarming one in four children at risk of going hungry. A staggering 17,000 people struggled with food insecurity. The Lahaina fires, which displaced over 7,000 individuals, exacerbated the already dire situation. Fortunately, the community rallied together, proving that compassion and solidarity can triumph over tragedy.
The numbers tell a compelling story of resilience and gratitude. In the months following the fires, Maui Food Bank and our partner agencies have become beacons of hope for those in need. August saw 27,163 people served, a number that rose to 30,577 in September and more than 40,000 individuals in October.
Equally impressive is the quantity of food distributed -- an astonishing 3.4 million pounds since the fires. For comparison, Maui Food Bank typically distributes 3.25 million pounds of food each year. Fresh produce, a vital source of nutrition, has been a focal point, with 500,000 pounds distributed in August and September alone. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent nourished bodies, lifted spirits and communities coming together in the face of adversity.
As Maui County's primary safety net for hunger relief, we take our mission seriously. Working with more than 100 distribution partners and programs, we provide safe and nutritious food to individuals, families, kids, the working poor, seniors on fixed incomes, the homeless and anyone who is at risk of going hungry. But we couldn't do what we do without the incredible support of the community. Ninety-three percent of all donations go to program services, five percent to fundraising and just two percent to cover administrative expenses.
In the spirit of gratitude, let us not only appreciate the remarkable achievements of the past months but also use this momentum to fuel our ongoing commitment to creating a community where no one goes hungry. The lessons learned from this experience are invaluable, reminding us that compassion, empathy and unity can indeed transform adversity into an opportunity for positive change.
* Richard Yust is the executive director of the Maui Food Bank.
