When emergencies occur or disaster strikes, a new bright red trailer will be bringing hot meals to people in need.
The Salvation Army Hilo Temple Corps has expanded its reach and can now travel across Hawaii County with its mobile kitchen trailer, the Malama ‘Ohana Kitchen.
Through the generosity of a private, anonymous donor, the Salvation Army was able to purchase the 32-foot trailer, which is a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. The new community asset will serve as a resource center during emergencies and times of disaster.
“In 2018 during the Puna lava flow, the Salvation Army served about 68,000 meals by utilizing several kitchens and restaurants,” said Samuel LeMar, the Hilo Temple Corps officer and Hawaii County coordinator. “Now, we’ll be able to pull this out, drive and park it wherever the disaster is. It’s self-sufficient and can go anywhere it can fit.”
With a capacity of about 2,500 meals per day, the mobile kitchen ultimately will help the Salvation Army’s Emergency Disaster Services teams increase their ability to serve more people during a crisis.
The Malama ‘Ohana Kitchen will be fully equipped and similar in design to other disaster vehicles that are deployed across the country. However, this trailer is unique because it includes a commercial barbecue and smoker.
“During disasters, it’s much more efficient to cook meat on a barbecue, compared to the oven or stove,” LeMar said. “Cooking meat is very culturally appropriate, and we’re excited about that part. The barbecue and smoker will also help us serve more food when we make hot meals for the community.”
While the Malama ‘Ohana Kitchen was created as a response to the disasters on the Big Island, the trailer also will play a vital role in feeding the homeless and participating in community events.
“Once we get our health certification and the rest of the appliances, the (community) will see it,” LeMar said. “We have a cold kitchen that we use to feed the homeless, but when everything is ready to go, we’ll be able to offer hot meals when possible.”
According to LeMar, the anonymous donor decided to fund the entire kitchen and trailer to help support the Salvation Army’s vision of feeding the community and feeding people during disasters.
The Emergency Disaster Services teams will be the primary manpower for the trailer, as well as other volunteers who have been trained in the kitchen. About four to six people can work together inside the trailer to cook and serve a diverse array of meals.
“During a large event or a disaster, we will have volunteers working outside, too. Whether it’s manning the trash, greeting people or talking story,” LeMar said. “Some people have the gift of cooking, and others want to talk story and have the right heart for that. We do emotional and spiritual care during disasters, and that is all encompassed with (Malama ‘Ohana Kitchen) as well.”
Although the trailer’s home will be at the Salvation Army in Hilo, the mobile kitchen will go wherever it’s needed.
“Hawaii Island is so big and so susceptible to disasters like lava flow and hurricanes. We will be traveling with it, even if it takes a while to get there,” LeMar said. “We want everyone to know that this is a Hawaii County asset, not just a Hilo asset. Although it is owned by the Salvation Army, this is a community asset.”
Those interested in joining the Emergency Disaster Service teams are encouraged to visit bigisland.salvationarmy.org or email Sam.LeMar@usw.salvationarmy.org for more information.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com.