State officials today launched the Kokua Food Drive, a weeklong food collection campaign in partnership with the Hawaii State Public Library System to support food banks across the islands.

The drive is a response to the ongoing federal shutdown, which has resulted in furloughs and disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known to most as food stamps.

From today through Friday, Hawaii residents are encouraged to bring canned goods and other nonperishable food items to their public library during regular business hours.

The donations will be distributed by nonprofits such as the Hawaii Foodbank, Maui Food Bank, The Food Basket and their partner agencies.

“In Hawaii, we take care of one another — that’s the true spirit of kokua,” said Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke in a news r

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