Caring For Our Kupuna
August 31, 2011
By Lyn Moku
By Lyn Moku, Director,
Lanakila Meals on Wheels
My passion is to bring an end to senior hunger and empower aging at home in Hawaii. This is one of the most significant public challenges of our time, yet I believe we can make this happen. That’s why I joined Lanakila Meals on Wheels this year.
A program of Lanakila Pacific, Lanakila Meals on Wheels began in 1971 as a lunch wagon serving hot meals to seniors in need. Forty years later, Lanakila Meals on Wheels has expanded to be the largest and only islandwide meal provider for seniors. Seniors such as Meals on Wheels recipient Edna Franklin, a 91yearold retired teacher who spent her life caring for others but can no longer get out on her own.
Hundreds of caring volunteers help us serve more than 250,000 meals each year on more than 90 delivery routes and at 17 Kupuna Wellness Centers.
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Yet 60,000 Hawaii seniors still face hunger. Currently, Hawaii’s poverty rate is the highest it has been in 12 years and has one of the fastest growing senior populations in the nation. Community support is needed to bring meals to more of our elderly neighbors.
We invite you to help by joining us for Lanakila Meals on Wheels’ signature fundraiser. Back for its third year, The Good Table is a unique synchronized dining event presented by HGEA and Island Insurance Companies. It will take place Thursday, Oct. 6, at 6 p.m. at more than 50 of Oahu’s most popular dining establishments. Select restaurants ranging from casual eateries to fine dining establishments will serve a special feast for prepurchased tables at their restaurants. Participating restaurants include Alan Wong’s, Café Laufer, California Pizza Kitchen and Zippy’s. Proceeds from the purchased tables directly support Lanakila Wheels on Meals to provide meals and support for Hawaii’s elderly in need.
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New this year, Lanakila Kitchen will offer Gourmet Picnic Table Packages including everything from the tablecloth to a keepsake picnic basket.
Proceeds from prepurchased tables, sponsorships and donations in 2010 provided more than 20,000 meals to seniors.
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Please join us for The Good Table and help turn one great meal into many for Hawaii’s kupuna. To purchase a table, volunteer or get involved, visit thegoodtable.org or call 5310555.