Pago Pago, American Samoa — Empowering Pacific Island Communities (EPIC) proudly acknowledges and thanks Ms. Tala Ropeti’s Psychology Class at American Samoa Community College for providing the first group donation to support the establishment of the American Samoa Community Food Bank.

The class generously contributed a variety of essential items to help families in need across the territory. The donation includes dry food products, personal care items, beverages, laundry supplies, and bags of donated clothing. These contributions will directly support community members experiencing food insecurity and economic hardship.

“This donation represents more than just supplies—it reflects the compassion, civic responsibility, empathy and leadership of our young people,” said Toleafoa Kathryn McCutchan, EPIC Executive Director on behalf of the American Samoa Community Food Bank initiative. “We are deeply grateful to Ms. Ropeti and her students for stepping forward as the first organized group to contribute to this important community effort.”

The American Samoa Community Food Bank initiative aims to strengthen the territory’s response to food insecurity and household hardship by creating a reliable hub for collecting and distributing food, hygiene supplies, and essential household items to vulnerable families, including elders, people living with disabilities, and households facing financial challenges.

By organizing this donation drive, Ms. Ropeti’s class demonstrated how students can play a meaningful role in building a stronger and more caring community. Their leadership sets an inspiring example for other schools, organizations, and community groups to participate in supporting neighbors in need.

A community needs assessment conducted in partnership with Tafuna High School’s HOSA chapter gathered 1,216 responses from students, families, and community members across American Samoa to better understand food access challenges last month. The results indicate significant food insecurity, with 64% of respondents reporting they have skipped meals due to limited food availability and 67% worrying about running out of food before they could purchase more. Economic pressures are also evident, as 59% reported that rising grocery prices limit their ability to access healthy foods, and 51% said they are not prepared for a potential two-week disruption in food shipments during a cyclone or other emergency. At the same time, the community expressed strong support for solutions, with 75% supporting the creation of a structured food bank and 65% indicating they would consider using such a resource.

To this end, the American Samoa Community Food Bank welcomes additional community partners, businesses, churches, and civic groups interested in contributing food or household essentials.

For more information about donating or partnering with the American Samoa Community Food Bank, please contact:

EPIC – American Samoa Community Food Bank

5825 Fa’atamali’i Center, Suite 2B; Pago Pago, American Samoa 96799; epic.samoa@gmail.com

Darius Shimasaki-Vaofanua

Phone: 684-688-3742

Email: darius@blueskynet.as

About the American Samoa Community Food Bank

The American Samoa Community Food Bank is a community-driven initiative focused on reducing food insecurity and supporting vulnerable populations through the collection and distribution of food to include non-perishable items, dry food, traditional crops (taro, ulu, bananas), local produce, near-expired freezer items, water and/or other beverages.