Starting April 1 to 30, Project Keiki returns to Foodland stores across the state to raise funds for Hawaii’s local food banks — Hawaii Foodbank on Oahu and Kauai, Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket on Hawaii Island.

Customers at Foodland, Sack N Save and Foodland Farms can support the effort by making any of the following donation options at checkout:

• Donate $5, $10 or $20
• Round up
• Donate your spare change
• Donate 250 Maika‘i points ($5)
• Purchase a Pouch Pal for $5.99

Many of Hawaii’s keiki rely on school lunches as a primary source of nutrition from August through May, but when school is out — whether on weekends or summer break — many lose access to critical meals. Foodland’s Project Keiki helps fill the gap.

“Nearly 1 in 3 keiki in Hawaii are currently struggling with food insecurity, meaning they are not receiving enough food for an active, healthy life. Even worse, six percent of our keiki are going without food for whole days at a time. And that’s just not okay,” said President and CEO of Hawaii Foodbank Amy Miller in a release.

“Without reliable access to nutritious food, our keiki cannot thrive — and our entire community feels the impact. We’re deeply grateful for Project Keiki and Foodland’s continued commitment to nourishing Hawaii’s children,” Miller said.

Donations made on their respective island will remain in the community to support those keiki.

“As a local company, we believe we have a responsibility to make a difference in our community,” said Jenai S. Wall, Foodland Chairman and CEO. “Our Project Keiki program was created last year to support our local food banks in their efforts to provide meals for children, especially during the summer. With food insecurity on the rise, this program helps to meet an important community need, and we are proud to partner with our customers to help ensure keiki statewide receive necessary nourishment.”

Visit the Foodland website or follow @FoodlandHI on Instagram and @FoodlandHawaii on Facebook for more information.