Hawaiʻi Department of Education to begin weekly meal box distribution for children in Kaʻū communities

The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) will begin weekly distribution of free shelf-stable meal boxes to support children and families in Kaʻū communities as recovery from Hurricane Lala continues.

HIDOE expects to provide approximately 4,500 meals each week through three distribution sites in Pāhala, Nāʻālehu and Ocean View. Each meal box will contain five breakfasts and five lunches that meet school meal nutritional requirements.

Meals are available at no cost for children ages 18 and younger. Children must be present at the time of pickup.

Distribution will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the following schedule:

Wednesdays beginning Aug. 26

• Kaʻū High & Pāhala Elementary School, old school gym
  96-3150 Pikake St., Pāhala
• Nāʻālehu Hongwanji Mission
  95-5695 Hawaiʻi Belt Road, Nāʻālehu

Thursdays beginning Aug. 27

• St. Jude’s Episcopal Church
  92-8606 Paradise Mauka Circle, Ocean View

The weekly distribution is part of the Department’s ongoing effort to support students and families while regular school operations remain disrupted in the area. HIDOE food service employees are being deployed to prepare, transport and distribute the meal boxes.

Distribution will continue weekly until further notice. Families should monitor communications from their schools and HIDOE for any changes to the schedule.