INFORMATION ABOUT IMPACTS ON SNAP BENEFITS AMID THE GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

The Hawai'i Department of Human Services (DHS) continues to closely monitor the federal government shutdown and its potential impact on programs that provide essential food assistance to Hawai'i families. If the federal shutdown continues into November, federal funding for the SNAP program may be unavailable, which could delay or prevent the issuance of November benefits. DHS will share more information about the HAWAI'I RELIEF PROGRAM on October 29, 2025. This program will provide eligible families with dependent children the opportunity to receive payment assistance for housing and utilities.

We understand that this uncertainty can be stressful. DHS is committed to sharing timely updates and ensuring every household receives clear information as soon as it becomes available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).

Households may contact the following resources for food assistance:

• DA BUX
  The DA BUX access card provides SNAP recipients with 50% discounts on select locally grown produce at grocery stores and participating food hubs.

• WIC
  WIC (Women, Infants and Children program) provides healthy food at no cost to pregnant individuals, new moms, infants and kids under 5 who are struggling to afford food. Dads, grandparents and other caregivers can apply for WIC for children in their care. Working families and non-U.S. citizens can qualify, as well.

• Free and Reduced-Price School Meals
  The free- and reduced-price school meals program provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to keiki each school day at public and participating charter schools at which they are enrolled.

• SUN Bucks
  SUN Bucks helps families with children buy groceries during the summer. SUN Bucks is generally for school-aged children in households with incomes that would qualify them for free or reduced-price school meals.

• SNAP Outreach Providers
  DHS contracts eight different nonprofits throughout the state to conduct outreach to households eligible for SNAP benefits and to provide assistance with referrals to food resources in the community.

• Aloha United Way 2-1-1
  Aloha United Way is a SNAP outreach provider that maintains a database that can provide referrals to other helpful food resources in your community.
  • Statewide: 211

• Hawaiʻi Foodbank
  Hawaiʻi Foodbank works together with its network of food partner agencies to serve the needs of the community on Oʻahu and Kauaʻi.
  • Oʻahu: 808-836-3600
  • Kauaʻi: 808-482-2224

• Hawaii Island Food Basket
  The Food Basket is Hawaiʻi Island's Food Bank. The website includes information on how to locate food resources, including food pantries and soup kitchens on Hawaiʻi island.
  • Hawaiʻi Island: 808-933-6030

• Maui Food Bank
  The mission of Maui Food Bank is to end hunger in Maui County. The Maui Food Bank distributes over 8 million pounds of food each year, including 2.3 million pounds of fresh produce.
  • Maui: 808-243-9500