Spam sends 265,000 cans of food to Maui after wildfires devastate Hawaii island
Spam is giving back to the state where it's a staple after the wildfires which devastated the island of Maui by sending hundreds of thousands of cans of food.
As part of the relief efforts as the devastated state recovers, Spam's parent company, Hormel Foods, has sent more than 265,000 cans of their meat products to the island. They partnered with Convoy of Hope, a nonprofit which helps bring aid to areas impacted by natural disasters.
The partnership has sent three truckloads of Spam so far, with another two set to follow. In total, Spam's donations in cash and products to Hawaii are valued at more than $1million.
In an effort to help raise money for relief, the company are also selling T-shirts which say 'Spam Brand Loves Maui'. According to the company, 100 per cent of the money raised will be given to Aloha United Way, an organisation that raises money for various charities, and their Maui Fire Relief Fund.
Search and rescue teams are combing through the debris (AP)Hormel Foods is also helping to raise money for local food banks. Senior brand manager for Spam Jennesa Kinscher said: "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."
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On Facebook, the company said: "We've been at a loss for words seeing the devastation that is happening on Maui. To our 'ohana [family] on Maui, we see you and we love you. We've been working with our trusted partners on how we can help.
Spam is supporting relief efforts in Maui by sending cans of food and raising money with T-shirts (SPAM/Facebook)"Thank you to just one of our partners, Convoy of Hope, who is swiftly helping us bring food to the island. We will continue to stay connected with our partners on the island and ask all of our fans to continue to surround Maui with support and love."
According to the company, the popularity of Spam in Hawaii began in World War II, when the islands were still a territory. The relationship started because canned meat was served to US soldiers stationed there during the war.
Hawaiians then adopted Spam as one of their staple foods, and it is commonly used in a fried rice dish. The company reportedly ships 7 million cans of Spam to the state each year, saying its products are "practically the national food" of Hawaii.
Spam is a staple of Hawaiian culture dating back to World War 2 (Getty Images)Spam is served everywhere across the state, from convenience stores to fancy restaurants and even McDonald's in the state has meals on the menu incorporating the canned meat.
As of Thursday morning, August 17, the devastating fires had killed 111 people, with the number expected to "rise dramatically", according to officials. The Lahaina fire was the most devastating, wiping out much of the historical town in a matter of hours.
So far, only around 30 per cent of the area has been searched. Family members are being asked to give DNA to help with the identification of victims, which officials said is a "slow, difficult process".
Lahaina has been almost entirely destroyed by the wildfires (Getty Images)Maui officials have warned: "We still have around a thousand people missing, so hoping they're not all lost."
As of Thursday morning the Lahaina fire was said to be 85 per cent contained. The Pulehu/Kihei fire is said to be 100 per cent contained, along with the Ka'anapali and Haiku fires also said to be 100 per cent contained.
The Kula fire is said to be 80 per cent contained, though officials said "new flare-ups have been reported". The Olinda fire is said to be 85 per cent contained.
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