Friday, March 8, 2013 -- Creative Arts Hawaii, Aloha Grown and the Parker Ranch Store proudly presented a $5,000 donation check to the Food Basket – Hawaii Island’s Food Bank. The donation will allow the Food Basket to provide 12,500 meals to families in need on the Big Island.

[See photo taken at Aloha Grown store in downtown Hilo – from L to R: En Young (Food Basket, Executive Director), Connie Kurohara (Creative Arts Hawaii, Vice President), Tracey Akau (Parker Ranch Store, Manager) and Tyler Owens (Aloha Grown, Manager)]

The three ohana companies strongly believe in supporting and giving back to the local community, so together they sold exclusive limited edition “MALAMA” shirts during the holiday season, with all proceeds benefitting the Food Basket.

“MALAMA was selected as the shirt design because ‘malama’ means to nurture, preserve or protect. We must malama our community and make sure that our neighbors and friends do not go hungry. The kalo (or taro) was specifically selected as the shirt’s background image because it represents family and provides sustenance, which is what the Food Basket provides for our local community in need.”

The Food Basket provides nutritious and high quality food to local Big Island families, children and seniors who might otherwise go hungry. Visit www.foodbaskethi.org for more information.  

Malama shirts are still available for purchase at the Aloha Grown store in downtown Hilo, the Parker Ranch Store in Waimea or www.parkerranchstore.com. Cost is $20.00 with all proceeds benefiting the Food Basket.