Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop | Diocese of Honolulu

Hawaiʻi is experiencing a rise in food insecurity, with more families relying on local nonprofits for assistance as federal support declines. Organizations such as Aloha Harvest, Hawaiʻi Foodbank, and the Institute for Human Services (IHS) are working to meet growing needs by redistributing surplus food and providing daily meals. For example, IHS serves 800 hot meals each day to those without housing in downtown Honolulu.

The increase in demand comes as government programs like SNAP face potential cuts and inflation continues to impact household budgets. Local parishes, including St. Augustine, St. Anne, St. Theresa Co-Cathedral, and Sts. Peter and Paul, are collaborating with these nonprofits to address the crisis through donations and volunteer efforts.

Pope Leo XIV recently addressed the issue of hunger at the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, describing it as an injustice rather than just a misfortune. He stated: “Around the world, food is sometimes weaponized in conflict — fields destroyed, crops burned, aid blocked.” He also emphasized that hunger can result from weakened safety nets or policy decisions that reduce access to essential programs.

In his Feast of Corpus Christi homily this year, Pope Leo XIV said: “At every Mass, Christ feeds us not so that we remain full alone, but so that we are sent out, strengthened to break bread with others. He multiples himself in us, that we might multiply hope in the world.”

The Diocese of Honolulu is encouraging parishioners to support local social ministries by volunteering time or resources and advocating for public policies that protect food security programs.

Pope Leo XIV added: “It begins with recognizing our vulnerability and sharing what we have with others in need.” The diocese hopes collective action will help address food insecurity across Hawaiʻi.