Hanalei Burger offers no-cost burgers to keiki this holiday season

Brittany Schwartz, owner of the North Shore food truck Hanalei Burger, knows what it’s like to be worried about not having enough food to eat.

Schwartz, who was raised by a single mother, recalls her family relying on federal food assistance programs, with school breaks especially difficult because free school meals weren’t available.

“When I was little, we were on food stamps,” Schwartz said. “We picked up weekly boxes from the food bank. And I remember going to the grocery store and having to pull out the WIC coupons to see what we could add to the cart.

“My mom worked so hard to make everything feel normal for my brother and me, never letting on that we were struggling, knowing now how heavy it must have been for her.”

So now, to “pay it forward,” Schwartz is offering free burgers to children this holiday season, with funding being donated by customers and community members.

The effort began the day before Thanksgiving, and so far, more than 200 donations have been made for burgers to be gobbled up by hungry kids.

“In the spirit of giving this holiday season, I want to make things a little easier for any families who could use a little extra love,” she said.

Schwartz, who took over Hanalei Burger this summer, said she wanted the truck to become a welcoming space for keiki and families.

She said she was prompted by the recent federal shutdown and pause in SNAP benefits. And, now as a mother of a 12 and a 16-year-old, she said she understands the “struggle in a completely different way.”

“It’s been on my heart for a while now to do something for the kids in our community who might be living a similar story,” she said. “When the shutdown happened, and I found out that so many people that I knew personally were affected by this, I was like, oh my gosh, I’ve got to think of a way that I can help.”

Her idea gained traction in just a week, prompting community members and tourists to ask how they could donate. Hanalei Burger, which initially committed to 100 burgers through the end of December, has now received more than 200 donated burgers and counting.

The burgers feature local grass-fed beef, topped with organic green leaf lettuce and pickles. All condiments — including ketchup, mustard, and Teri sauce — are also organic.

“We like to keep it clean and simple,” added Schwartz. “We also use organic milk in our homemade milkshakes, and our Lilikoi lemonade is also organic.”

“I have a little flyer up on the truck, and people can send $10 to our Venmo, or they can give cash or add it to their tab, and so it’s just kind of something simple but meaningful to help the people in our community,” she said.

Several residents and visitors have expressed their appreciation for the idea via social media, enthusiastically offering to donate. One message read: “Radical acts of community will save us all.” Another message saying: “Every day, I am so proud of our community and the people I call friends.”

Her efforts also aim to create an inclusive environment by eliminating embarrassment or shame through the “Keiki Card,” a stamp card that is made when a donation is made. This allows any child to ask for a meal using the card without having to say they’re there for a free meal.

“It’s all super easy, no shame, no embarrassment,” she said.

Schwartz hopes her efforts will inspire a new holiday tradition on the North Shore, with much appreciation for the “ton of support” she has received from the community.

She added: “If there’s ever a time when you’re struggling and you need help, or you can’t afford it, I will always feed you. I don’t ever want any kid to go hungry or be ashamed to come up and say that they need food because I remember what it was like being that kid.

“I’ve always got you. I’ve always got the kids. I’m always here, and not only for food, but if someone needs a friend.”

Schwartz and her husband, former professional surfer Brett Schwartz, also sponsor the Hawaii Surf Team by providing complimentary meals, this year raising enough money to assist with their surf trip to Peru.

Community members or visitors interested in donating a burger to a keiki this holiday season can click here.