Hundreds of West Hawaii families sat down to a nice Thanksgiving meal last week thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Kahiau Together food distribution program.
Volunteers with the Ironman Foundation loaded 600 boxes and turkeys into vehicles to ensure hungry members of the Big Island community enjoy a nice meal. Each grocery bundle featured a 12- to 14-pound turkey, loaf of Punaluu sweet bread, Portuguese sausage, onions, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and a recipe.
The mission of the Kahiau Together program was built from the Hawaiian word “Kahiau,” meaning to give generously or lavishly from the heart while not expecting anything in return. The program began with a $1 million pledge from the foundation in July 2020 as the pandemic hit and shuttered hotels, restaurants and shops.
To date, nearly 85,000 meals have been distributed via the effort.
“We are collectively honored to have the opportunity to give back to our ‘ohana and the Hawaii Island community. We are so pleased that our community is being fed but also our local farmers, fishermen and ranchers have benefited from this as well,” said Diana Bertsch, senior vice president, World Championship Events for The Ironman Group.
The Kahiau Together food distribution event will wrap up next month. The next Kahiau Together grocery distribution takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Dec. 13 at Kona International Marketplace.
The Ironman World Championship is set to return to Kailua-Kona in October 2022 with a new, two-day format, following a lengthy hiatus. The 2021 championship will be held May 7, 2022, in St. George, Utah.