How to Help the People of Maui
How to Help the People of Maui
World Central Kitchen and other organizations are on the ground helping to feed and comfort the survivors of the deadliest wildfires to reach the U.S. in the past century. Here's how to do your part.
Maui wildfires have reigned destruction on the Hawaiian island, hitting the historic Lahaina area the worst. The Maui wildfires are the deadliest in the US in more than 100 years, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and have, so far, claimed at least 99 lives, according to CNN.
Organizations like FEMA, the American Red Cross, and World Central Kitchen are already on the ground.
World Central Kitchen (WCK), founded by chef Jose Andres, reports that it has established three public meal distribution sites in the towns of Lahaina, Kaanapali, and Napili. WCK first arrived on site with hundreds of sandwiches for first responders and residents. Only a few days later, it established kitchens in tandem with local organizations like Chef Hui and Common Ground Collective to provide meals that are both comforting and culturally appropriate. Examples are curry stew with purple sweet potatoes and roasted fish with ube and okra. To date, WCK has served over 16,000 meals.
If you would like to help provide food and shelter to those affected by the Maui wildfires, here’s a list of organizations that are on the ground right now.
American Red Cross provides emergency services wherever they’re needed.
Chef Hui supports local farmers and provides food to families in need.
Common Ground Collective promotes food security to the people of Maui.
Hawai’i Restaurant Association is currently offering emergency food and shelter to residents.
Maui Food Bank is providing meals to Maui residents and collects non-perishable food and personal care products.
Maui Humane Society is providing pet food and supplies to Maui residents. In addition, the humane society is compiling a pet lost and found list to help pet parents reunite with their lost pets.
Maui Strong Fund, by the Hawaii Community Foundation, is supporting communities affected by the wildfires.
Maui United Way offers emergency disaster relief grants of up to $10,000 each to non-profits assisting the residents of Maui.
Mercy Chefs has set up an emergency fund to provide food to the people of Maui.
World Central Kitchen is currently in Maui, partnering with local chefs to feed first responders, tourists, and residents of the island.