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SNAP Assistance
What is SNAP? What can it be used for?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), previously known as the Food Stamps program, is funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and helps low — or no-income households stretch their budgets by using SNAP benefits to buy groceries. Families can purchase unprepared food such as fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, dairy products, meats, fish, chicken and cereals, as well as seeds or plants for growing food. SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase prepared meals, vitamins, non-food items (such as pet food, cleaning supplies, hygiene products, diapers), alcohol or tobacco products.
To help people apply for SNAP benefits, Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers free SNAP prescreening, application and recertification assistance.
DO I QUALIFY FOR SNAP?
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Commonly Asked Questions About SNAP
Am I Eligible for SNAP?
Citizenship, Income Guidelines and Other Requirements
To help people apply for SNAP benefits, Hawaiʻi Foodbank offers free SNAP pre-screening, application and recertification assistance.
Every SNAP household must meet certain income, asset, citizenship, and residency requirements. The entire household’s income must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and each household member must be a U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident of more than five years, or other qualified alien. In addition, the household must reside in the state in which they are applying for SNAP, and must not be receiving SNAP benefits in any other state.
How do I apply for SNAP?
Not Sure if You Qualify or Need Help Applying?
We offer free assistance over the phone or in-person. Contact our SNAP Outreach team:
- Oʻahu residents may contact our SNAP Outreach team at snap@hawaiifoodbank.org or by calling 808-954-7893.
- Kauaʻi residents may contact our SNAP Outreach team at snap@hawaiifoodbankkauai.org or by calling 808-265-0684.
- Maui residents may find more information here.
- Hawaiʻi Island residents may find more information here.
Ways to Apply
- Apply online. This is the fastest process and we can help!
- Apply by U.S. Postal Mail, fax or email – complete, print and sign paper application and mail, fax or email it to your local Processing Center.
- Deliver your paper application in person at your local Processing Center.
How do I check on the Status of My SNAP Application?
NOTE: You will need the Case Number assigned to you after you submitted your application.
What if I get Denied for SNAP Benefits?
> Visit our Emergency Food Assistance page to find a food assistance opportunity near you.
On this page, you’ll also be able to download our Food Assistance handouts for Kauaʻi. This print-friendly guides includes lists of operating food pantries, prepared meal service providers and ʻOhana Produce Plus distributions sites. Also included in our Oʻahu handout is a Homeless Help Card and Shelf Life Guidelines.
Already Receiving SNAP Benefits? Check Out These Resources
DA BUX
DA BUX is a program that makes Hawaiʻi grown fruits and vegetables more affordable for SNAP-EBT cardholders by doubling the value of SNAP benefits spent at participating markets and grocery stores. The wins are three-fold: low-income consumers eat more healthy food, local farmers gain new customers and make more money, and more food dollars stay in the local economy.
> Sign up for DA BUX for 50% off Hawaiʻi grown fruits and veggies.
SNAP-ED
> Learn how to make the most of your SNAP benefits, nutrition and growing your own food here.
EBT Edge
The ebtEDGE app allows SNAP benefit holders to view their benefits at the touch of a finger. ebtEDGE makes it easy to check balances and review transaction history.
> Download the ebtEdge app to your phone to track your benefits.
Visit a Museum Through Museums for All
Through Museums for All, those receiving SNAP benefits can gain free or reduced admission to more than 1,500 museums throughout the United States simply by presenting their EBT card and a photo ID.
Farm Link Hawaiʻi
Farm Link Hawaiʻi lets you pay online with your SNAP-EBT card for delivery or pickup, and get free next-day delivery plus 50% off fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and poi (through the DA BUX) when you select “Paying with EBT.”
>Learn how you can order online and get food delivered directly to you.
Nearly 1 in 3 Hawaiʻi households are struggling with food insecurity.
In 34% of households with children, one or more keiki are food insecure.
More Information
For more information about SNAP in Hawaiʻi, visit the SNAP page on the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services website.
Train with us!
Our team also conducts SNAP training sessions for interested community partners. Oʻahu partners can contact snap@hawaiifoodbank.org, and Kauaʻi partners can contact snap@hawaiifoodbankkauai.org to learn more.
