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, Hawai‘i Foodbank offers free SNAP prescreening, application and recertification assistance.
Commonly Asked Questions About SNAP:
Citizenship, Income Guidelines and Other Requirements
To help people apply for SNAP benefits, Hawai’i 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.
Not Sure if You Qualify or Need Help Applying?
We offer free assistance over the phone or in-person. Contact our SNAP Outreach team:
- O‘ahu residents may contact our SNAP Outreach team at snap@hawaiifoodbank.org or by calling:
- 808-265-2250,
- 808-265-1144 or
- 808-265-4306.
- Kaua‘i residents may contact our SNAP Outreach team at snap@hawaiifoodbankkauai.org or by calling 808-265-0684.
- Maui residents may find more information here.
- Hawai‘i 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 – complete, print and sign paper application and mail it to your local Processing Center.
- Deliver your paper application in person at your local Processing Center.
SNAP Application Process
To check on the status of an existing SNAP application or your recertification status call the Public Assistance Information System (PAIS) Toll Free Information Line at 1-855-643-1643.
NOTE: You will need the Case Number assigned to you after you submitted your application.
If you were denied for SNAP benefits, Hawai‘i Foodbank is here to help. We work closely with our network of 200 agency partners to ensure the communities we serve have access to the nourishment we all need.
> 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 O‘ahu and Kaua‘i. These print-friendly guides includes lists of operating food pantries, prepared meal service providers and ‘Ohana Produce Plus distributions sites. Also included in our O‘ahu handout is a Homeless Help Card and Shelf Life Guidelines.
Already Receiving SNAP Benefits? Check Out These Resources:
DA BUX is a program that makes Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i grown fruits and veggies.
The Hawai‘i SNAP-Ed program helps teach ways to live full, healthy lives through nutrition education and physical activity. SNAP-Ed also offers special projects, like Food to Grow, that address access to healthy foods in various settings.
> Learn how to make the most of your SNAP benefits, nutrition and growing your own food here.
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.
More Information:
For more information about SNAP in Hawai‘i, visit the SNAP page on the State of Hawai‘i Department of Human Services website.
Train with us!
Our team also conducts SNAP training sessions for interested community partners. O‘ahu partners can contact snap@hawaiifoodbank.org, and Kaua‘i partners can contact snap@hawaiifoodbankkauai.org to learn more.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
For more information, please read the complete USDA/DES Non-Discrimination Statement.
