Food insecurity is a big problem in Hawaii, that Lahaina resident Ralph Umeke plans on fighting with a giant noodle. Partnering with Veilcorp, Umeke will attempt to break the world’s record for the longest handmade noodle, in an event to bring awareness to the problem, and raise money for food pantries across the island.
According to the Department of Human Services (DHS), over 16% of Hawaiian households have difficulty during the year providing for all their members due to lack of resources. That is a statistic that Umeke, owner of the famous “Hula Noodle” eatery, finds troubling.
“I think it’s a shame, disgraceful really, that even in paradise, over a quarter million people aren’t sure where their next meal is coming from. We live in an amazing time. People can travel to any destination in the world in a matter of seconds, we have the ability to genetically engineer plants and animals like never before, but we still haven’t figured out how to make sure kids aren’t going to bed on an empty stomach. I had no idea the problem was this bad until a few months ago, but I’m doing everything I can to raise awareness and work towards a solution. That’s what this event is about. Showing everyone that they can make a difference using whatever skills and resources they have. I know noodles, and with the help of my Veilcorp partners; I’m going to make the longest one the world has ever seen.”
Hundreds of food insecure families will be the guests of honor for the event this weekend, hosted by Veilcorp. Umeke will attempt to create, by hand, one continuous noodle over 1.25 miles long (2,000 meters). If successful, the noodle will be served to the guests of honor and a number of special donors. There will be food, music, games, and information on how to help struggling households for the general public as well.
“When Uncle Ralph asks you to help, you can’t say no,” says Veilcorps VP of Special Projects Brie Howard. “The statistics about food insecurity in Hawaii are heart-wrenching. We are honored that a fixture of the Lahaina community like Mr. Umeke would ask us to help raise awareness to such an important issue. Whether he’s helping to keep our beaches clean by teaching kids the importance of recycling, or making sure that everyone has food and water after the devastation of hurricane Neki, Ralph Umeke is always striving to make the world a better place. We share those ideals at Veilcorp, and are thrilled that we were asked to be part of this record breaking event.”
Umeke says he’s confident that his attempt will be successful, “I actually make more noodles on a busy Saturday. The only issue I see is not letting it break, but I’ve been making noodles for over 40 years. At this point my hands just know what to do. I’m pretty sure that I’ll break the record.”
Ralph’s confidence might be in part due to a high-tech ace up his sleeve. Long-time friend and fellow Lahaina resident Ano Lee says the pair have been preparing for weeks using a virtual reality training system.
“I know that he is serious about this issue because he’s letting me talk to you. I’ve never known Uncle Ralph to be scared of anything, but he is terrified that someone is going to ask to take his picture while he’s wearing the rig I built. It may look a little funny, but it is really amazing. The Noodle Simulator’s helmet syncs up with the wearer’s ceremplant, the vest and boots measure subtle body movements, the wristbands track the hands, and all the data is fed and recorded into the belt. We have simulations that account for environmental factors like high humidity, wind, and rain, anything that might affect the strength of a noodle. He’s done great in the practice runs so far, so I’m sure everything will go smoothly this weekend. We’ve collected so much useful data that I think we could train someone to be the next Uncle Ralph by simplifying the system and hooking them up. Not that I ever would of course. I think he’s prepared for anything that could come his way at this point.”
Umeke says he appreciates the outpouring of support for the cause. “This wouldn’t be possible without the help of Veilcorp, the volunteers, DHS, and yes, Ano and his crazy noodle simulator. I appreciate everyone’s help, but I want to make sure that nothing overshadows the reason we’re all coming together. I’m going to make a noodle over a mile long, but we all have miles of work left to do. We need to ensure that our friends and neighbors don’t have to worry about something as simple as a meal.”
