If your Thanksgiving leftovers include uncooked foods, consider sharing with the needy.
“There may be people that, out of habit because of large gatherings in previous years, end up buying more than they need to prepare for their smaller gathering this year, said Jill Wright, community relations director for the Institute for Human Services. “So if they have items like canned goods, bottled drinks and things of that nature, we definitely can put them to good use.”
Unfortunately, IHS and other agencies that feed the needy can’t take leftover turkey and other homemade specialties.
“It can be super tricky,” Wright said. “We appreciate that people think of us, but we can’t accept some items. There are liability reasons. We have no way of knowing how long something may have been left out at room temperature.”
Whole foods, though, are appreciated.
“Things like fruits, vegetables, a bag of potatoes,” she said. “But things like leftover mashed potatoes, stuffing, we can’t accept.”
Call 447-2814 or go to ihshawaii.org.
Other agencies to consider:
>> Aloha Harvest: The agency will pick up nonperishable or raw foods for redistribution to social service or nonprofit groups. Email info@hawaiiharvest.org for details. Community relations manager Leslie Pyo suggested combining donations with friends and neighbors for pickup. Nonperishables (such as canned cranberries and bottled gravy) can be dropped off at Aloha Harvest’s office in Kaimuki.
Prepared food must come from a certified kitchen. The agency will be closed Thursday and Friday. Call 537-6945, or go to alohaharvest.org.
>> Hawaii Foodbank: Most donations come from organizations, but the agency also accepts food from individuals, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at 2611 Kilihau St. Call 836-3600 for details, or go to hawaiifoodbank.org to make monetary donations.
