“I’m hungry.” This is an unfortunate, but all too common phrase, said by the thousands of people in Hawaii who struggle to find their next meal. The reality is that one in five people in Hawaii depend upon food assistance. The face of Hawaii’s hungry ranges in all ages, from young to old, and across all ethnicities of our island population. Our company founder, the late Maurice J. “Sully” Sullivan, was an outstanding leader who gave unselfishly and generously. He instilled in us to be a responsible and supportive community partner. It’s an important part of Foodland’s character and why we offer various community programs throughout the year. Foodland’s Bag Up Hunger program is held every year in April. We invite our customers to donate $5, $10, $20 and loose change at checkout. The money raised supports the efforts of the food banks on the four major islands – Hawaii Food Bank (Oahu and Kauai), The Food Basket, Hawaii Island’s Food Bank and the Maui Food Bank. The food banks are the key element as they work with hundreds of member agencies to get food to those in need. Charitable agencies distribute more than 12.9 million pounds of food a year statewide. So the next time you shop, please help our island ohana and make a donation. It’s easy, simply tear a $5, $10 or $20 slip from the sign at checkout and give it to your cashier. The amount will be added to your grocery bill. Your donation may feed a child, a friend, a neighbor, a single parent with children, or a grandparent. Please give, because together, we all can make Hawaii a better place to live.