Update, Sept. 1
As schools impacted by Hurricane Lala welcome students back this week, modified meal boxes will continue for Nā‘ālehu Elementary students only.
School meal service will be provided to Nā‘ālehu students during the two days they are in attendance at Ka‘ū District Gym. Students will also receive take-home meal boxes containing three shelf-stable breakfasts and three lunches. Boxes will be distributed on their first day of attendance each week.
Regular school meal service has resumed for Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary students.
All other distribution sites have ended.
Previous coverage
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.
