Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Disasters
Hannah Yang

Austin-based Hormel Foods to send Spam, other relief to Maui

Community has long history with the canned meat product

aerial view of an island with smoke above
An aerial view shows destroyed homes and buildings around the harbor and Front Street in Lahaina, western Maui, on Aug.10.
Patrick T. Fallon | AFP via Getty Images

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Austin, Minn.,-based Hormel Foods Corporation is sending Spam as well as other aid to Maui, which is struggling to recover from devastating wildfires.

The company announced Thursday that three truckloads of the canned pork product are on the way with two more trucks following, totaling more than 264,000 cans. The company is working with Convoy of Hope, a faith-based nonprofit that aids communities affected by natural disasters.

The Hormel brand says it has donated cash and products with a retail value of more than $1 million to directly help people affected by the wildfires. The company says it is donating proceeds from sales of a Spam-themed t-shirt to Aloha United Way’s Maui Fire Relief Fund.

Hormel team members are also raising money to donate to the local area food bank with a match from their employer.

“We are so grateful for our partners like Convoy of Hope and local Hawaii retailers who are helping us get more product to people in need as quickly as possible,” said Jennesa Kinscher, senior brand manager. “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.”

The wildfires left a trail of destruction in parts of Maui in Hawaii last week and destroyed the town of Lahaina. At least 111 people were killed, making it the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century.

Sales Of Low Cost Canned Meat Spam On The Rise Amid Rising Food Cost
Spam cans on display.
David McNew via Getty Images | 2008

Spam has a long history in Hawaii dating back to World War II when the luncheon meat was served to GIs. It remains popular.

Convoy of Hope is helping local partners distribute relief supplies.

“This donation allows Convoy of Hope to deliver comfort to people whose lives have been turned upside down,” said Stacy Lamb, vice president, disaster services at Convoy of Hope. “The fact that Spam doesn’t need refrigeration makes it a perfect item for Convoy to deliver to survivors.”