HONOLULU – Gov. Linda Lingle has released a $90,000 grant-in-aid to the Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Division to support the Kokua Soup Kitchens in Hanapepe and Lihu'e.

The funds will be used to supplement an emergency food pantry, as well as expand and operate two soup kitchens that feed the hungry, homeless and those in emergency or disaster situations, according to a news release from the governor's office.

Since April 2006, the Kokua Soup Kitchen program has served more than 8,000 hot meals to Kaua'i residents in need, including low-income elderly, veterans, families living below the poverty level, and homeless men, women and children.

"The Salvation Army's work in feeding and caring for the homeless and others in need provides a valuable service to the community," Lingle said in the news release. "This grant will support the efforts of many Kaua'i volunteers and private sector partners who contribute to the success of this important program to ensure basic human needs are met."

The state grant will supplement private funding sources to operate the program, including monetary and food donations, in-kind volunteer services, and private grants from charitable foundations, churches and businesses, according to the news release.