NEWS RELEASE
Kamehameha Schools partners with community organizations to provide grab-and-go meals
Posted: April 23, 2020
HONOLULU (April 23, 2020) – Kamehameha Schools has partnered with community-based organizations across O‘ahu to help address the growing need for meals during the COVID-19 crisis.
Calling it the ‘Apo-a-‘Ai initiative, campus dining staff at KS Kapālama are preparing and delivering an average of 1,500 meals daily to a different remote site where groups are organizing grassroots meal distribution efforts. KS’ Kapālama campus and Community Engagement and Resources staff will coordinate a total distribution of nearly 8,000 meals per week to feed families in need on O‘ahu with hopes of expanding to include neighbor island support soon.
KS Kapālama Po‘o Kula Dr. Taran Chun expressed the need for unity and compassion as local leaders determine an effective response plan to the global pandemic.
“There are a lot of children, including some of our own Kamehameha students, who depend on the meals provided during the school day,” Chun said. “With so many school closures in effect, some families are trying to figure out how to feed their keiki. Working together makes solutions more effective and efficient.”
One of the groups partnering with KS Kapālama is Kōkua Kalihi Valley, a non-profit organization providing health support services for families of Kalihi Valley. Sharon Ka‘iulani Odom is the Roots Program Director at Kōkua Kalihi Valley and appreciates the support from neighboring KS Kapālama.
“As families cope with these trying times, we admire the spirit of generosity and collaboration being shown by so many,” Odom said.
KS Kapālama has committed this support for the remainder of the school year, which ends on May 22, and school leaders will determine future efforts at a later date.
