Safeway stores statewide have partnered with the local food banks on each island to launch a special food drive, “Help Us End Hunger,” and accept food donations for residents.

A specially produced grocery bag containing tuna, peanut butter, cereal, canned vegetables, spaghetti, macaroni and cheese and instant mashed potatoes will be available for $10 at all Safeway stores through July 24.

Safeway created the grocery bag offering to make donations easier for shoppers, and to ensure Maui Food Bank recipients receive the items they need most.

“We are proud to be partnering with our area food banks on this community-wide collection effort,” said George Glukfeld, Safeway Hawaii district manager. “We hope customers will help us end hunger by donating quality food items to those in need. Every bag, every can and every dollar does count!”

Safeway and the island food banks hope that all local residents will support this drive. Supplies tend to be lower at this time of year, yet needs remain great from food bank recipients across the state.

Food bank volunteers will also gather at Safeway stores on Saturday, July 16, to conduct a special one-day collection effort.

According to the Hawaii Foodbank, Hawaii residents helped distribute almost 9 million meals to help feed 183,500 people statewide in 2010.

Every donation received today helps feed more than 14 percent of Hawaii’s population, or one in seven people.