In an effort to give back to Hawai‘i’s kupuna, homebound elderly and disabled citizens, in need due to the pandemic, Ala Moana Center is blending food and philanthropy. From July 6 to 10 and July 13 to 17, the center partnered with #ShowAlohaChallenge and joined forces with neighboring restaurants to prepare 3,600 meals, safely delivered by Meals on Wheels.
“The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is felt in so many ways, especially in the increased demand for feeding the people of Hawai‘i,” says Scott Creel, senior marketing manager of Ala Moana Center. “Collaborating with Show Aloha Challenge are some ways for us to take care of our community and recognize the contributions of our restaurant industry.”
As the world’s largest open-air shopping center, it is well-equipped to tackle this challenge. Restaurants from within the mall including Aja Sushi & Bento, Eggs N’ Things, HiTEA Cafe, Mahaloha Burger and Musubi Cafe Iyasume, and neighborhood restaurants including Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory, Fresh Ahi Off the Boat, Ichiriki Japanese Nabe Restaurant, Teddy’s Bigger Burgers and Yogurstory, each prepared 36 meals per day to meet the challenge.
“Words cannot express the overwhelming heart that Ala Moana Center and Brookfield Properties Development have shown in stepping up to the Show Aloha Challenge in such a big way to support not only the restaurants in their community, but also the at-risk kupuna in Hawaii,” says Michael Gangloff, founder of #ShowAlohaChallenge. To donate, visit showalohachallenge.com.
Photography by: Photos courtesy of Show Aloha Challenge
