What is Kaukau 4 Keiki?
Kaukau 4 Keiki distributes meal boxes filled with groceries, equivalent to approximately 7 days of breakfasts and lunches to low-income keiki across Kaua’i. Boxes are distributed through pickup sites to accepted applicants to the program.
We’ve run a version of this program since 2020 and it’s one of the most rewarding experiences. We hope you’ll join us in addressing the hunger gap for our keiki during school breaks!
Summer 2026’s Kaukau 4 Keiki will run from Monday, June 1st through Monday, June 27th for 9 weeks.
You may submit a Kaukau 4 Keiki Application
for Summer 2026 Here!
Volunteers Needed: Make a Difference This Summer!
Signup to help out at tinyurl.com/2026kaukauvols
Volunteers are needed across the island!
Host Sites Wanted: Help Us Feed Keiki Islandwide!
We’re looking to add new Host Sites to distribute boxes this summer, to make it easier for our transportation-challenged ‘ohana to pickup their meal boxes close to home. If you work with a nonprofit or community group who may be interested in helping to feed keiki this summer, get more info here and reach out to kaukau@malamakauai.org with any questions.
Vendors: Procurement Period is Open!
Vendors interested in supplying food for Summer 2026’s Kaukau 4 Keiki program can learn more and submit a response to our RFP by March 20th. Questions may be directed to malie@malamakauai.org
Make a Donation
We are actively seeking funds to support the rising costs of operating the program, which grows every year due to high demand and need in our community. 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
When and where is box pickup?
When your application is approved, we will email and text you with confirmation. Due to USDA rules, you must pickup in the town you live in, or the closest town. Your name will be on the list and you show ID to pick up your box(es). Our 2026 pickup sites are still being finalized.
What’s in the boxes?
Box contents and menu plan for Summer 2025 can be found here (items will likely be similar in 2026). 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. There will be a Share Table at each pickup site so you will have an opportunity to leave behind the things you do not want and swap it for something you do!
Who is eligible?
Keiki from 1 year old to 18 years old (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. You must pickup your box in the same town that you live in (or the closest location). Only parents or guardians listed in the application can pickup for the children.
FOR NON-ELIGIBLE TOWN RESIDENTS: For 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 in addition to your Kaukau 4 Keiki application. Please submit documentation to kaukau@malamakauai.org.
I cannot make it to my assigned pickup site! What do I do?
Contact kaukau@malamakauai.org so we can arrange another ‘ohana to take your box. Only parents/guardians listed in your Kaukau application can pickup boxes for your child(ren), so it is important you designate an alternative pickup person in your initial application – you cannot change the contact once the program starts. Families who no-show for a pickup will be removed from the participant list and placed on the on-call waiting list.
What if I am not eligible but in need?
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 for Summer 2026. The program does fill up quickly, but we do maintain a pre-approved waitlist that often gets called to pick up boxes due to no-shows!
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?
Email kaukau@malamakauai.org
Mahalo Nui to Our 2026 Partners!
Franz Bakery
Hawai‘i Child Nutrition Program
Holy Cross Kalaheo
Kūkulu Kumuhana O Anahola
‘Ohana Chrisitian Fellowship, Kapa‘a
Safeway Foundation
Waimea Huaka‘i
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In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating or retaliating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: How to File a Complaint, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider