What is Kaukau 4 Keiki?

Kaukau 4 Keiki will distribute meal boxes filled with groceries, equivalent to 7 days of breakfasts and lunches to low-income keiki across Kaua’i. They will be offered through pickup sites and limited home deliveries from accepted applicants to the program.
We aim to source these boxes as locally as possible, with distributions happening on Mondays for 8 weeks, starting June 5th and running through July 31st.
We’ve run a version of this program for the past two years and it’s one of the most rewarding experiences. We hope you’ll join us in addressing the hunger gap for our keiki this summer!
Volunteers Needed
Signup to help out at tinyurl.com/2023kaukau. Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles all over the island:
- Bundle veggies, pack boxes and load vans Mondays in Līhuʻe
- Help distribute boxes at a pickup site (needed in Hanapēpē and Kōloa)
Make a Donation
We are actively seeking funds to support the costs of providing home delivery to families without transportation, and also with supporting families who are not eligible for USDA’s box program. You can make a donation online, or mail a check with “Kaukau 4 Keiki” in the memo to Mālama Kaua’i, 3-3204 Kūhiō Hwy, Ste. 102, Līhuʻe, HI 96766.
FAQ for Kaua’i Families
What’s in the boxes?
You can find the box contents and menu plan for Summer 2023 boxes here. We must serve all items in every box to maintain compliance with USDA regulations and there is no customization available, unless there is a medically documented allergy.
Who is eligible?
We currently have a waitlist, but families are still encouraged to sign up, as families may drop from the program, opening up new spots throughout the summer. Keiki 18 and under (or up to 22 years old with a disability and enrolled in public school). Additional eligibility info depends upon the town you live in:
FOR BOX PICKUP: If recipient is living in one of the eligible towns: Anahola, ʻEleʻele, Hanapēpē, Kapa‘a, Kaumakani, Kekaha, Kōloa, Lawa‘i, Līhu‘e, Po‘ipū, Wailua, and Waimea – no additional paperwork is required outside of a Kaukau 4 Keiki application.
FOR DELIVERY & NON-ELIGIBLE TOWN RESIDENTS: For box delivery, or pickup by residents in non-eligible towns (Hanalei, Hā‘ena, Wainiha, Princeville, Kīlauea, and Kalāheo), parents must submit verification of income qualification to qualify – this can be done by submitting a copy of your SNAP or Free/Reduced Meal letter, or a new meal application form, in addition to your Kaukau 4 Keiki application.
What if I am not eligible but in need?
If you receive SNAP and live Anahola and north, you can apply here for a gift card to our food hub – kauailocalfood.com – thanks to generous support from The Zonta Club of Hanalei. We are working to raise more funds to assist low-income families, and will post updates here, in our e-newsletter, and on our Facebook and Instagram accounts if resources become available. We also encourage you to review our Emergency Food Resources page for more local help.
How do I apply for my keiki to receive a box?
You may submit a Kaukau 4 Keiki Application here. Home delivery capacity will be very limited, so we encourage families to pick up their box if at all possible so that they can be supported. If we do not have capacity to deliver, you may be placed on a wait list until we are able to deliver to you.
Can I get Kaukau 4 Keiki boxes if my child participates in DOE Summer Meals?
No. As all of these summer food service programs are sponsored by USDA, participating in more than one program is considered double-dipping and is illegal.
Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Marina Mireles, Food Access Coordinator, can be reached at [email protected] or at 808-828-0685 x16
Mahalo Nui to Our 2023 Partners!
Deja Vu Surf Hawai‘i
Hale Halawai
Hawai‘i Child Nutrition Program
Kamehameha Schools
Kaua‘i Planning & Action Alliance
Kaua‘i United Church of Christ Kapa‘a
Kōloa Elementary School
Kūkulu Kumuhana O Anahola
No Kid Hungry
Queen Liliʻuokalani Trust
Waimea Huaka‘i
The Zonta Club of Hanalei