Why We Help

A recent study commissioned by the Hawaii State Department of Health reveals that people living in Maui County are at serious risk for having one of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state. Of those who benefit from the Maui food Bank—65% have an income below the official poverty guidelines, 37% are working households. Almost 50% of the people we serve are single moms and one in five children in Maui County is currently at risk of going hungry. This is a 62% increase in the last decade.

Hunger affects low-income families and individuals, as well as people who live in extreme poverty. People who suffer from hunger are confronted with constant shame, worry and insecurity about how they are going to feed themselves and their families. Hunger impairs a child’s ability to learn, grow and stay healthy. Among the elderly, it exacerbates chronic health problems and speeds the onset of degenerative diseases. In every age group hunger impedes people from having healthy and productive lives.