Our Story
Kauai Food Bank, Inc., a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization, was formally established in the State of Hawaii in late December of 1995.
The Kaua’i Food Bank Inc dba Kaua’i Independent Food Bank (KIFB) was born out of the catastrophic Hurricane Iniki, which made a direct hit to Kaua’i on September 11, 1992. Thousands of residents were left homeless, jobless, and in desperate need of basic necessities. Initially staffed with volunteers, KIFB distributed more than 5 million pounds of food directly to hurricane victims. By 1994, KIFB served roughly 20% of the island’s population. In 1995, the Kaua’i Food Bank incorporated and was granted nonprofit 501 (c)(3) status.
Today, with a full-time staff of 6 hardworking individuals, KIFB distributes more than 300,000 pounds of food annually to those in need on Kaua’i. We operate four core programs, Keiki Café Program, Backpack Program, Kupuna Program, and the Emergency Distribution Program. No one in need is ever turned
away empty-handed.
KIFB accomplishes our mission “To Educate, Provide Nutritious Food for the Hungry, and Respond to Emergencies”. Our dedicated volunteers, community businesses, groups, and organizations, as well as our generous donors and grantors share our mission and vision. We hope you will share our vision and kuleana: ending hunger and food insecurity on Kaua’i.
