Categorized | Volunteering

The Food Basket receives $2,000 from SSFM International

MEDIA RELEASE

The Food Basket, Inc. has accepted a donation of $2,000 from SSFM International to support its operations on the Big Island. The monetary donation was accompanied by a donation of food for various feeding programs islandwide.

SSFM International, an engineering, project management, planning, and construction management firm with a local office in Hilo decided to sponsor The Food Basket as part of their holiday drive last year.

Each year, SSFM selects a local non-profit or charity they believe plays a major role in community assistance.

SSFM International selected The Food Basket this year because of the personal experiences of staff members and their families.

“It was an easy choice for us this year,” Hilo office manager Jo-Anna Herkes said.

The staff of 20 employees was able to raise $1,000 and more than 75 pounds of food while obtaining a dollar-for-dollar match from their corporate office to assist the community of Hawaii island. One employee, upon receipt of a Christmas bonus, decided to contribute additional monies to the local non-profit.

“It is a testament to the generosity of the employees of SSFM that they were able to raise such a large amount of money and food from so few employees in such a short amount of time. We’re extremely grateful,” Food Basket executive director En Young said.

SSFM has been a contributor to major construction projects on the island of Hawaii including the Keaau-Pahoa road improvements as well as the Puainako street and Queen Kaahumanu highway widening projects on both sides of the Big Island.

In 2012, The Food Basket collected, stored, and delivered more than 1,067,000 pounds of dry goods, frozen meats and cheeses, fresh produce, canned fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared meals to more than 146,000 individuals and families on the Big Island.

This food supports local emergency food pantries, hot meal soup kitchens, seniors in need, schools, and other businesses, non-profits, and individuals in the community wishing to help the Food Basket alleviate hunger in Hawaii County.

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