By Janis L. Magin – Senior Editor, Pacific Business News
Hawaii Realtors, the statewide trade association for the real estate industry in Hawaii, has launched the Hawaii Realtors Charitable Foundation and is giving $50,000 to food banks across the Islands, which have been impacted by the coronavirus.
The money is being divided among the Hawaii Foodbank, the Maui Foodbank, The Food Basket – Hawaii Island’s Food Bank, which will each receive $12,500, and the Hawaii Foodbank Kauai Branch and the Kauai Independent Food Bank will each receive $6,250.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has put additional strain on our community resources, including our most basic need for food,” said Moana Andersen, president of the Hawaii Realtors Charitable Foundation. “Hawaii Realtors are in the business of people, so it pains us to think of anyone going hungry during this time. We are proud that our foundation’s first contribution to our communities will support local food banks in the critical mission of feeding Hawaii.”
Hawaii Foodbank said this week it is planning to purchase $200,000 worth of agricultural products from local farmers for its program that provides fresh produce to the homeless, low-income individuals and people with disabilities, as well as its program for low-income seniors.