FAQs

FAQs

 

Food Registration

Do I have to register to get food?

Yes, all of our clients must register prior to being able to receive food. You can register here.

What if I am unable to pick up my food during the designated time?

Your confirmation and pick up number will be emailed to you after you “Place Order” in the Shopping section of the website. If you miss your pickup date, we will hold your dry goods until 1:40pm the next distribution day. We cannot hold any refrigerated/frozen items past their original pickup date.

What is a food pantry?

A food pantry is a distribution center where families and individuals in need can get food free of charge. The Pantry by Feeding Hawaii Together utilizes an e-commerce platform where clients can choose their own groceries off of our shop and pickup at their designated time. 

What is the difference between a food bank, food pantry and soup kitchen?

A food bank is where food is received, sorted,and stored. Food banks then deliver food to food pantries, who distribute the food directly to those in need. A soup kitchen is a place where free prepared meals are provided to the homeless.

Where does the food pantry get food from?

A: We purchase and are donated food from a number of different partners, local distributors, and local farmers across the island.

Who receives assistance from The Pantry?

The majority of our clientele are hard working individuals who have a difficult time making ends meet and/or are food insecure. We serve anyone and everyone who feels like they cannot afford food for their families, regardless of income or background. Approximately 30% of our clients are Keiki and 30% of adults are Kupuna- both age groups that are either retired or cannot become employed because of their age.

Food Pickup

Are there any other requirements for picking up the food I ordered?

For the comfort and safety of everyone, please remember:

  • You can arrive any time within your pickup window. If you have a car, please line up on Meyers St. and approach our volunteers wearing Orange Vests to give them your order number(s). Please have this written in LARGE letters on a sheet of paper so it is easily visible. After giving your order number(s) to our volunteers, you will be moved into our parking lot where we will load up your empty trunk with your ordered items.
  • We will treat you with respect. Please respect the other people waiting and working. Please speak quietly and respectfully.
  • No smoking, foul language or disrespecting our neighbors’ property.
  • Please do not have alcohol, drugs or weapons when you visit. Please do not come under the influence of drugs or alcohol. All State/Federal Laws must be followed to be allowed on our premises. If necessary, we will call police to ensure the safety of all.
  • You can pickup each week from The Pantry as long as you have registered and ordered your goods online.
Can I edit my order after I have placed it?

You will have 30 minutes to edit your order after you have placed it.  After 30 minutes have passed, you will not be able to edit your
order as we have begun working to fill your order.

Why was my order cancelled?

Your order was cancelled because you didn’t pick it up on time. Upon placing your order, you are assigned a pick up day. We provide
one additional grace day for your pickup, after which point it will be automatically cancelled at 1:40PM on the grace day. We thank you for
your understanding.

I am unable to pick up my order on the assigned date. Can I send a friend/family member/neighbor to pick up for me?

Yes, absolutely! You are welcome to send someone else to pick up your order. Please provide them your order number so that we can find your order when they arrive.

Do I have to wear a mask to pick up? What if I am driving?

Masks are no longer federally mandated, therefore they are not required when visiting The Pantry. Any client or volunteer that would feel more comfortable wearing a mask is more than welcome to.

Please remember, if you feel sick and are picking up your order, be considerate and wear a mask for the safety and consideration of others.

Donation

How do I make a donation?

You can make a monetary donation through our website here. Please note that we are unable to accept non-food item donations, but if you or your organization would like to host a food drive, please email volunteer@thepantry.org for more information!

Will I get a receipt for my donation?

Yes, Feeding Hawaii together is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. All monetary donations are fully deductible to the extent of the law and will be recognized by an official donation receipt.

Is my online donation secure?

Our donors’ safety is our top priority. Feeding Hawaii Together uses the same secure and encrypted payments technology as your bank to ensure your donation is processed safely.

If you have additional questions about our secure & encrypted technology let our team know by contacting us here.

Volunteer

Do I need to schedule in advance or can I just show up to volunteer?

You do need to schedule in advance when volunteering. Please sign up to be a volunteer here and see the number of volunteering opportunities we have available. If you have any questions about volunteering at The Pantry, please email us at volunteer@thepantry.org.

How old do I need to be to volunteer?

We require our volunteers be a minimum of 18 years of age.

Additional Questions

Does The Pantry uphold the right to refuse service?

As an establishment committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all clients, The Pantry reserves the right to refuse service to anyone engaging in behavior that compromises the well-being of our volunteers, staff, and fellow clients. This includes but is not limited to the following situations:

 

  1. Intoxication:

   Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be served and may be asked to leave the premises immediately.

 

  1. Inappropriate or Aggressive Behavior:

   Any form of inappropriate or aggressive behavior towards volunteers, staff, or other clients, including verbal abuse, threats, or harassment, will result in refusal of service, removal from the premises, and potential loss of account privileges.

 

  1. Violation of State and/or Federal Law:

   Failure to abide by state and/or federal laws while on our premises will result in refusal of service and potential loss of account privileges. This includes engaging in illegal activities or actions that contravene established regulations.

 

  1. Disruption of Peace:

   Actions that disrupt the peace and order of our establishment, including but not limited to vandalism, disorderly conduct, or disregard for posted rules and guidelines, may lead to refusal of service and potential loss of account privileges.

 

By entering The Pantry premises, patrons acknowledge and agree to adhere to these policies. The decision to refuse service is at the discretion of staff and is intended to uphold the safety, comfort, and dignity of all individuals within our community.

I have called The Pantry but no one picked up my call. Why is that?

We rely on volunteers to run this organization. Our volunteers are here on the days that we are open: Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00am to 2:00pm and will return your call on these days. We thank you for your understanding and patience.

Email us at info@thepantry.org