Each September Feeding America and its affiliate food banks across the country recognize Hunger Action Month, a campaign to mobilize communities to fight to end hunger. In Hawaii alone, 1 in 6 people face food insecurity.  

At Bayer we work every day toward our vision of Health for All, Hunger for None. That’s why our employees on Oahu, Maui and Molokai have partnered with local foodbanks for Hunger Action Month to collect non-perishable food items to support members of our community who are experiencing food insecurity.  

“Our work drives technology that makes nutritious food more accessible to all,” explains Maricel Graham, Labor Coordinator at Bayer who championed the drive at our Maui farm. “Partnering with food banks is a fantastic extension of our mission and vision, and helps us make a meaningful impact in the community.”  

“Bayer’s support helps us toward reaching our goal of distributing over 2.5 million pounds of safe, nutritious food each year,” shared Richard Yust, Executive Director of Maui Food Bank. “We’re grateful for this donation, especially during a time when food banks across the islands are particularly strained.” 

Jean Ernst, Senior Labor Coordinator at Bayer, organized the drive at the Oahu site. “I love that Bayer encourages us to participate in events like these. Bayer lets us make the space to contribute to our communities in ways that help make ‘Health for All, Hunger for None’ come to life.” 

Piilani Augustiro, Administrative Assistant at Bayer, was a coordinator of the event at the Molokai site, which collected nearly 500 pounds of food donations in a single evening. “I’m grateful to be a part of a company that recognizes and steps up to meet the needs in our communities,” she shares. “With so many struggling today, it’s nice to know that we can contribute and make an impact.” 

This effort was sponsored by the Bayer Asian Society Inclusion Alliance (BASIA), and culminated in the drop-off more than 1,890 pounds of food in total across Oahu (846 pounds), Maui (530 pounds), and Molokai (515 pounds).  

Bayer employees marked the day by wearing orange and posting photos on social media to raise awareness. The donation follows an $18,100 grant provided by the Bayer Fund in July to support Hawai’i Foodbank’s Food 4 Keiki School & Keiki Pantry program.  

We’re grateful for this partnership with Bayer which makes it possible to provide much needed support and awareness for our programs and food insecurity across our island community,” explains Amy Miller Marvin, President & CEO of Hawai’i Foodbank. “In addition to their generous grant, Bayer’s collective efforts also provides their employees with meaningful ways to help us ensure that no one in our ‘ohana goes hungry.” 

So how can you help? Visit Hawai’i Foodbank, Maui Food Bank , or Feeding America to find a food bank near you to make a donation or volunteer. You can also post a photo of yourself wearing orange to social media using hashtags #HungerActionMonth and #EndHungerNow. Learn more here.