Spam, Hawaii's favorite canned meat, is helping those in need after the tragic disasters on Maui. More than 265,000 cans of Hormel Foods' canned meat products, including Spam, were sent to the island as part of the relief effort.
Last week, the island of Maui was devastated by flames that destroyed the historic district of Lahaina. The death toll is expected to rise to over 100 as rescue workers are still on the search for survivors or victims.
Giving Back to Hawaii
In a press release on Thursday, August 17, three truckloads of Spam products have been sent so far, with another two to come. This is owed to a partnership with Hormel Foods and Convoy of Hope, a non-profit that helps transport relief to places devastated by natural catastrophes. Donations of cash and Spam products to Hawaii total more than $1 million.
They are also selling T-shirts with an illustration of a beach on a heart shape and the words "Spam" and "Maui" to generate money for relief efforts. The firm has pledged to donate all of the money made to the Maui Fire Relief Fund of the fundraising group Aloha United Way.
Hormel Foods is also participating in a fundraising effort to benefit community pantries.
"The people of Hawaii have a special place in both the history and heart of the SPAM brand. Our donation efforts are just one way we are showing the community our love and support back," said Spam senior brand manager Jennesa Kinscher.
According to CBS News, Hormel Foods has previously collaborated with relief groups like Convoy of Hope and World Central Kitchen to provide meals to people in need after natural disasters. Apparently, the state of Hawaii is integral to the brand's identity.
The canned meat products were delivered to US troops stationed in Hawaii during World War II when the islands were still a territory. The firm claims this is where the popularity of Spam in Hawaii first originated.
Spam has become a mainstay in the Hawaiian diet, most often appearing in a fried rice recipe.
The business claims that its Spam is "practically the national food" of Hawaii and that it delivers 7 million cans there annually. Everywhere you go in the state, from fast food joints to five-star restaurants, you can get something to eat that includes Spam.
Deadly Maui Wildfires
Last week, a devastating fire swept over the island of Maui, destroying the island's historic town of Lahaina. As rescuers continue to search for casualties or survivors, the death toll is projected to grow to over 100.
The origin of the deadly wildfires remains unknown at this time, although an inquiry has been launched. Much of Hawaii was under a red flag warning for fires owing to the dry conditions brought on by Hurricane Dora, which reached Category 4 intensity. The storm's powerful winds and low humidity "set the conditions for the wildfires," said Major General Kenneth Hara, commanding general of the Hawaii Army National Guard.
More than 2,700 buildings in Lahaina have been destroyed, according to Hawaii Governor Josh Green. Many people attempted to escape the fire, but they were stuck, and some even tried to leap into the water to get to safety.
