A Memorial Day Message from Ron

Aloha Hawaii Foodbank friends and supporters,
 

“On any given day.” That statement is the language of our business. It is what we do and have done for 35 years. However, since last hurricane season, “on any given day” has taken on a whole new meaning for us. No longer are we simply in the business of distributing pounds. We are now in the business of response.

As Hawaii’s major distributor of emergency food for those in need, Hawaii Foodbank is expected to report to our donors, partners and supporters on the pounds of food distributed and the number of families served. For years, it was how we measured success. That is no longer the case.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently announced its outlook for the 2019 Central Pacific hurricane season. Forecasters from the Central Pacific Hurricane Center predict our region will see five to eight tropical cyclones during the hurricane season, which is above the average of four to five storms. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, and forecasters say there is a 70% chance of above-normal activity.

As we all know, 2018 was an eventful year for Hawaii with six tropical cyclones that either formed or moved into the Central Pacific. This included category five Hurricane Lane, which just missed Oahu and dumped more than 50 inches of rain on Hawaii Island.
 

The forecast for this year's hurricane season has our full attention, and I assure you – Hawaii Foodbank is actively preparing for the approaching storm season.

I ask you to, please, do the same. Now is the time to prepare, not when the storm forms. Have a plan for your family and gather your hurricane kit items now, so you are not scrambling later. Our community expects us to respond in the event of a disaster, but failing to prepare now is preparing to fail. Expect nothing but be prepared for anything.

I have come to learn that crisis often reveals who you really are, and I am appreciative of the lessons taught in 2018. We know we do not do this work alone; we have the support of so many concerned Hawaii residents. Our 35-year history has prepared us to be compassionately responsive to families in need. We also know that anything can happen on “any given day,” but there is much comfort knowing our community will be there to respond. We are grateful we will face the coming months together.

Wishing you and yours a safe Memorial Day weekend as we remember and honor those who have died while serving the United States Armed Forces. Blessed are we to call Hawaii home.


With respect and appreciation,

Ron