Par Hawai‘i, Hele raising funds to help food banks throughout state; customers can also donate

The more than 160,000 Hawai‘i residents who depend on benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP and more commonly called food stamps, breathed a temporary sigh of relief after the end of a 43-day federal government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history — and their benefits restored.vb

But recent changes in eligibility requirements for the food program might still have many feeling uneasy.

Par Hawai‘i — the state’s leading of transportation fuels — and its Hele stores want to ease some of the lingering and underlying fear. So they are helping avert a hunger crisis by raising funds for food banks throughout Hawai‘i, including Hawai‘i Foodbank Kaua‘i.

Customers who buy fuel or convenience store items at participating Hele stations on O‘ahu, Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island anytime through Dec. 14 have the option to donate when they check out if they want to join the cause.

Donations accepted on each island will remain on that island.

The first $10,000 will also be matched dollar-for-dollar by Par Hawai‘i.

“We know there are a lot of Hawai‘i residents in need — our neighbors, family and friends — and we wanted to do something meaningful to help,” said Par Hawai‘i Vice President of Retail John Peyton in an announcement about the fundraiser. “Over the first few days, the campaign has already raised over $5,000. Thank you for helping us feed Hawai‘i.”

Peyton added that since the eligibility for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits now require beneficiaries to work part time — at least 20 hours a week — those interested in a position at the Hele stations also are welcome to complete and submit a job application at the Par Hawai‘i website.