In response to the devastating wildfires on Maui, two global food companies have stepped up to send protein and resources to aid the disaster-relief efforts.

Special relationship between SPAM brand, people of Hawaii
Hormel Foods and its SPAM brand have made a product donation to support the efforts on Maui. Three truckloads of SPAM products are on their way to the impacted areas with two more trucks following – totaling over 264,000 cans. Convoy of Hope — a nonprofit organization whose mission includes aiding those affected by natural disasters — is the company’s trusted partner on the ground, making sure that the product reaches the people most in need.

In all, the SPAM brand has donated cash and product with a retail value of more than $1,000,000 to directly help those impacted by the wildfires. The brand has also created a specially designed “SPAM Brand Loves Maui” T-shirt, with 100% of proceeds to be donated to Aloha United Way’s Maui Fire Relief Fund for relief efforts in the area. The T-shirts can be ordered here. Additionally, Hormel Foods team members are also raising money to donate to the local area food bank, with a match from Hormel Foods.

“We are so grateful for our partners like Convoy of Hope and local Hawaii retailers who are helping us get more product to people in need as quickly as possible,” said Jennesa Kinscher, senior brand manager for the SPAM brand. “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.”

“Convoy of Hope is incredibly grateful for this very generous donation from Hormel Foods and the SPAM brand,” said Stacy Lamb, vice president, disaster services at Convoy of Hope. “We know how popular SPAM products are, especially in Hawaii. This donation allows Convoy of Hope to deliver comfort to people whose lives have been turned upside down. The fact that SPAM doesn’t need refrigeration makes it a perfect item for Convoy to deliver to survivors. Convoy of Hope is thankful that we can always count on the generosity of Hormel Foods, especially during difficult times.”

The SPAM brand has long cherished its special relationship with the Hawaiian people, a community that consumes more than 7 million cans of SPAM products every year, more than any other U.S. state. The true root of the island’s love for SPAM products goes back to World War II, when the luncheon meat was served to GIs. By the end of the war, SPAM products were a part of the local culture and today remain a popular comfort food.

Tyson donation nearly 404,000 protein servings
Tyson Foods is donating more than 100,000 pounds of protein, the equivalent of approximately 404,000 servings, to help support people impacted by the wildfires in Maui and surrounding areas.

The product will be donated to one of the company's customers, Hawaii-based Foodland Supermarket, for distribution to area nonprofit organizations such as the Maui Food Bank and Hawaii Food Bank.

"As we see the continued impact of the devastating wildfires in Hawaii, Tyson Foods remains committed to supporting impacted communities in times of need," said Tim Grailer, senior director, business operations for Tyson Foods. "We are committed to doing our part in helping the residents of Hawaii and those on the ground by providing support."

The wildfires burned more than 2,500 acres across multiple historic towns and destroyed many homes and businesses. The devastation prompted local chefs to volunteer their culinary skills to form cook teams and prepare Tyson brand products for the community. As the state of Hawaii moves into the recovery phase, Tyson Foods will continue to provide protein to support those in need.