Gathering the Community:

In the heart of Oahu, Hawaii, families and individuals line up each week not just for a box of groceries but for connection, support, and hope. For many, Feeding The Hungry (FTH) is more than a food program; it’s a community, a place of prayer, and a source of encouragement. As an active outreach responding to food insecurity in Hawaii, FTH helps families navigate the high cost of living on Oahu and provides essential support to low-income communities. Through Surfing The Nations’ long-standing Hawaii community outreach programs, we witness lives changed one food item and one conversation at a time.

Our Legacy of Serving:

For over two decades, Feeding The Hungry has been committed to serving the people of Oahu. Established in 1998, FTH is Surfing The Nations’ oldest outreach program. What began with delivering food boxes from a small van to seven families in Kalihi has grown into one of the most consistent Wahiawa food distribution efforts on the island.

Today, the Thursday FTH outreach provides groceries to more than 600 individuals and nearly 300 families every week. Volunteers distribute over 12,000 pounds of food, generously provided by partners including the Hawaii Foodbank, Whole Foods, and Aloha Harvest.

Since opening in 2018, the Surfing The Nations food pantry in Wahiawa continues to serve 15–30 people daily every Friday and Saturday, offering a warm, reliable place for residents to receive prepared meals and groceries.

Our Mission:

FTH’s mission is simple:

1. Meet the physical needs of individuals and families facing food insecurity in Hawaii.
2. Build meaningful relationships, ensuring every person feels seen, loved, and valued.
   

We believe everyone deserves respect, dignity, and joy especially when they walk through our line.

A Volunteer Perspective:

“Every week I meet people who come without hesitation to receive food through our Hawaii food pantry. As I get to know them, I see they truly are kind, resilient individuals navigating the realities of food insecurity on Oahu. It’s an honor to help relieve even a little of their worry and make sure they get what they need. Serving here reminds me that our Oahu community is built on good-hearted people who care for one another.”

- Nick Potter, Fall 2025 FTH Director

Stories That Inspire:

The stories of our recipients continually remind us why this outreach matters. As Uncle Wes shared:

"Surfing The Nations has made walking down the street a lot safer. As far as the pantry goes, it's a lifesaver for me. Besides the generosity of the community, that's where I get the bulk of my food. If it wasn't for you guys, I’d not be living. It would be hard for me to survive without you guys. You just do a wonderful job."

These stories highlight how essential local Hawaii food assistance programs are to individuals who rely on them every week.

How FTH and the STN Pantry Work:

Feeding The Hungry is a completely volunteer-run outreach in Wahiawa, held every Thursday from 1:00–3:00 PM. Here, families and individuals walk through the distribution line to receive groceries provided by the Hawaii Foodbank. Volunteers greet guests, sort food, maintain order, and ensure every person receives what they need.

The STN Food Pantry, open Friday-Saturday from 2:00-4:00 PM, offers prepared meals and additional groceries. Stocked weekly with donations from Whole Foods and Aloha Harvest, the pantry is also fully run by volunteers. All that is required for recipients is a Hawaii ID.

Both programs demonstrate how a community-powered, volunteer-driven effort can consistently support those facing food insecurity on Oahu.

Teamwork Makes It Possible:

Every week requires coordination between generous partners, dedicated volunteer teams, Surfing The Nations staff, and committed community supporters. Volunteers sort and distribute food, welcome guests, restock the pantry, and make weekly pick-ups from Whole Foods. STN’s security team also ensures traffic flows safely during our busy Hawaii food drive.

Each person, donation, and hour of service plays a vital role in keeping this outreach strong.

Join Us:

As our programs continue to expand, we’re incredibly grateful for the volunteers who make this work possible. If you’re interested in volunteer opportunities in Oahu, serving the community, or supporting local food assistance efforts, we would love to have you join the team.

For more information or to get involved with Surfing The Nations or Feeding The Hungry, email: feedingthehungry@stn.global.

-GaBriel Neugebauer