Randy Coon (left) and Jim Coon of Trilogy participate in the Lanai giveaway.

WAILUKU – The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association (MHLA) distributed 25,000 pounds of rice throughout Maui County this November and December.

The annual “Rice for the Holidays” program began in 2008 when MHLA partnered with Jim Coon of Trilogy Excursions in their annual giveaway of turkeys to the residents of Lanai by adding a five-pound bag of rice with the turkey.

Since then the program has expanded to provide rice for food distributions on Maui and Molokai. In 2011, Hana was added to the distribution.

The rice was distributed on Lanai on Saturday, Nov. 19; Molokai and Hana on Saturday, Dec. 3. On Maui, the rice is being distributed through Feed My Sheep.

MHLA partners with many of its members to make this food distribution possible, including Costco Wholesale, Young Brothers, and Island Movers.

The rice was distributed on Lanai on Nov. 19 and Molokai (pictured) and Hana on Dec. 3.

“This annual food distribution would not be possible without the support of our members.” said Lisa Paulson, MHLA executive director. “Maui’s visitor industry is a big believer in taking care of the community in which we all live.”

The Maui Hotel & Lodging Association is a nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to advocate for the visitor industry. For information, contact MHLA at 244-8625.