Even before COVID-19, an alarming number of UH Mānoa students were regularly suffering from food insecurity and downright hunger. Joannie Dobbs, then-faculty of CTAHR’s Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, brought this problem to the attention of the Associated Students of UH, which partnered up with other campus groups.
The result was Food Vault Hawai‘i, a three-year pilot program whose founders probably never imagined a sharp increase in campus food insecurity caused by the pandemic. But here we are, and the campus student pantry needs your kokua.
Are you able to spare some food or toiletries to help UHM students in need during this difficult time? The Vault is low on non-perishable, unexpired food in its original, undamaged, manufacturer packaging:
- Canned vegetables/fruit (corn, peas, pineapple, etc.)
- Canned protein (tuna, Spam, beans, chicken breast, etc.)
- Complete meals (stews, chili, soups, ramen, etc.)
- Rice
- Pasta (dry, mac ’n’ cheese, etc.)
“Being a dietetics student, I understand the importance of nutrients for the body. We all know the physical, psychological, and social problems a person with food insecurity may face,” says HNFAS grad student Paul Brian Balico, who staffs the Vault. “We all can do our part to fight against hunger and care for our community. If people could donate to the Food Vault Hawai‘i, that would mean the world to hungry UH students.”
Please contact the Student Life and Development office at sld@hawaii.edu or (808) 956-8178, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The office is staffed and can arrange receipt of your donations at Campus Center 208 during regular business hours. All donations will stay within the UH Mānoa student community.