Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona Jr. yesterday announced a monthlong focus on helping fight hunger in communities across Hawai'i, where current economic conditions have brought new attention to this long-standing social issue.

The initiative is intended to encourage donations that would enable feeding programs to keep pace with the growing number of people who are seeking emergency food assistance.

Already, the Hawaii Foodbank, which distributes food to more than 250 member agencies statewide, has had to double to nearly 750,000 pounds this year the amount of food it purchases to keep up with the demand.

To help offset that growing need, Hawai'i residents are being urged throughout April to get involved by organizing food drives and making donations to the Hawaii Foodbank, the Food Basket on the Big Island, the Maui Food Bank and the Kauai Food Bank. In a sign of their support for the cause, Gov. Linda Lingle and Aiona have proclaimed April 2009 as "Feeding Hawai'i's Hungry" month.

"Helping to feed hungry families is part of good citizenship," Aiona said in a statement. "I take comfort in knowing that the people of Hawai'i have always shown an incredible willingness to take responsibility not only for themselves, but for the well-being of others."

Sheri Rolf, food drive chairperson for the Hawaii Foodbank, said, "Since the economic downturn, we need food and monetary donations because people are in need of our help now more than ever before."

Utu Langi, founder and director of the H-5 Project, a feeding and shelter program, said, "Lately, it's not uncommon for us to see people who used to donate, now in need themselves. We help feed people through our programs and homeless shelters with food from the Hawaii Foodbank. Please give what you can."