Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin once said, “If we can conquer space, we can conquer childhood hunger.” If mankind is capable of extraordinary feats such as launching human beings into outer space and landing on the moon, shouldn’t we be more than able to feed our fellow man here on Earth? Though it may seem simpler than navigating the stars, conquering hunger is a complex problem.

While September recognized Hunger Action Month, hunger is actually an ongoing issue that affects our local communities year-round. In Hawaii, the issue affects about one in five residents. That’s about 287,000 residents statewide. Of those in need, the most vulnerable are our children and the elderly. For example, 35 percent of clients seeking assistance from the Hawaii Foodbank have a child under 18 and/or a senior member 60 years or older.

Given Hawaii’s culture that is centered around values like spreading aloha, living pono and the signifi- cance of ohana, I’m often met with disbelief when people learn just how many men, women and children are suffering from hunger in our communities. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently named Hawaii as having the lowest rate of resident households reporting food insecurity compared to the rest of the nation, the harsh reality is that hunger is still a major problem in our state, forcing many families to make difficult monthly decisions.

In fact, the latest survey of our clients found that many of them must choose between food and other daily necessities:

>> 62 percent reported having to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities.

>> 48 percent reported having to choose between paying for food and paying for housing.

>> 56 percent reported having to choose between paying for food and paying for medicine/medical care.

>> 30 percent reported having to choose between paying for food and paying for education expenses.

Hunger is a very real problem in our state, with dire consequences not just for those who are suffering, but also for our community as a whole. No matter the age, when individuals do not have enough to eat, they cannot perform to the best of their ability at home, school or work. Children and adults who go unfed or are malnourished are less able to focus in class and at the office and are less likely to reach their full potential. They’re also more likely to become sick, have behavioral issues and may be subject to committing crimes in order to meet their basic needs.

But, there is hope. The community must come together to recognize the issue and be part of the solution:

>> Advocate for hunger relief.

>> Volunteer at your local food bank, food pantry, church or shelter.

>> Make a donation to programs and services that help feed Hawaii’s hungry.

>> Join the fight against hunger.

Public-private partnerships are also a key to the solution.

For example, on Nov. 1, the Hawaii Foodbank will launch its 24th annual Check-Out Hunger program, partnering with grocery stores across the state to raise funds for Hawaii’s hungry during the holiday season.

I truly believe through all of these efforts that we can end hunger. In the spirit of Mr. Aldrin, I say, it’s time to reach for the stars.

Gerald Shintaku is president/CEO of the Hawaii Foodbank.