Filipino Community in Maui Launches Bayanihan Feeding Program
by Jim Bea Sampaga
In partnership with Maui Food Bank, the Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center launched a weekly community service project called “Bayanihan Feeding Program.” Every Sunday, volunteers prepare and deliver plate lunches to Hale Mahaolu residents in Kahului and Wailuku.
“Our kupuna is in need of nutritious food on weekends,” said Binhi at Ani president Melen Agcolicol. “The Meals on Wheels program doesn’t distribute meals on weekends so the Board of Directors of Binhi decided [Bayanihan Feeding Program] would be a great way to continue to reach out to our neighbors.”
Through Mayor Michael Victorino and Councilmember Tasha Kama, Binhi at Ani also received a grant from the County of Maui to renovate the community center’s kitchen where volunteers would cook and prepare the plate lunches.
“It’s really in the spirit of the Bayanihan — which translated means to help one another in time of need,” Agcolicol shares.
Binhi at Ani are in need of volunteers who will prepare and deliver food for the Bayanihan Feeding Program. Monetary donations for food and supplies are also appreciated.
For individuals, businesses or organizations interested in volunteering, please contact Melen Agcolicol at 205-7981 or sign-up online by filling out forms.gle/cVUGB6XLmtJi7MVH8.
For check donations, please mail it to Binhi at Ani at 780 Onehee Avenue, Kahului, HI.
Binhi at Ani is a non-profit corporation based in Kahului, Maui. Established in 1985, they provide scholarships, promote cultural understanding, awareness, appreciation, good citizenship and general welfare. In 2005, they opened the Binhi at Ani Filipino Community Center at 780 Onehee Avenue.
